TAMPA, Fla. – Bucs DT Vita Vea changed his off-season workouts and credits former Buc Ndamukong Suh for that.
“There was a lot of early morning stuff, just grinding away,” Vea said. He (Suh) took me under his wing and just took care of me out there.”
Vea elected to stay away from the voluntary camp, but he finally accepted Suh’s invitation, changed his diet a bit, and came to the mandatory minicamp refreshed and excited.
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I think you always get a little bit of that on the first day,” Suh said. “There’s a lot of upside in the young guys though. It’s good to be back out there.”
Vea says you change as you get older, and you want to vary your routine. He wouldn’t say exactly how much weight he’s lost, but Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has certainly noticed.
“He’s (Vea) quick,” Bowles said. “He looks good. He’s in shape. He’s flying around. He’s a little faster than he was last year; hopefully that continues.”
Suh played 13 years in the NFL and never missed a game. Staying healthy has been Vea’s problem. He said that in his two weeks with Suh, he not only learned new workout techniques but also gave him some life lessons, including business knowledge.
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Vea was impressed going up against this new Bucs offense and also noted that rookie center Graham Barton was impressive in holding his own. He also warned you that you can’t really tell until the pads come on.
Vea was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and would like to get back to that form, but for now, it’s just making the best of this minicamp and coming to training camp in the best shape of his life.
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