Christian Izien was rock steady in preseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the former Rutgers football defensive back to secure a spot on the NFL team’s 53-man roster.
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, Izien has made an impression in training camp as well as preseason for the Buccaneers. So much so that on Sunday morning, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said that Izien is his team’s starting nickleback heading into Week 1 of the NFL regular season.
For each of his final three years at Rutgers, Izien was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. In 2022, he had 84 total tackles and four passes defended.
Todd Bowles says undrafted rookie Christian Izien will be the team’s starting nickel defensive back. Has not only made the 53 but secured a key role.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 27, 2023
His performance over the week in preseason helped secure his roster spot.
Former @Rutgers FB standout Christian Izien made a nice play by punching out the ball causing a turnover! Izien played in the #HulaBowl and a had an amazing week in Orlando! @draftdiamonds @chriscrafty_ pic.twitter.com/3K4zd7UlO7
— Hula Bowl (@Hula_Bowl) August 27, 2023
Bowles is a familiar name to many in New Jersey. He grew up playing his high school football in the state at Elizabeth and then went on to play college football locally at Temple.
Bowles, like Izien, was an undrafted rookie free agent after his college career. He spent eight years in the NFL.
Izien’s strong performances this summer include an interception in his first game of preseason.