NOSE TACKLE VITA VEA
(On when he thought it was possible that he would be able to return to the Buccaneers in the postseason)
"I think it was the next day or that night – I think I had it in my head. Obviously, I was down and out that night, but I think that night I told myself, 'If you just push through this, push through rehab, you might have a chance.' They told me I might have a small chance of making it, so I took those chances of what they said, and I really took it to heart. That's what I stuck with."
(On keeping a positive mindset throughout his rehab)
"I don't think it was that hard, honestly. I've got a good group of people around me – I had my family and friends in my ear the whole time [along with] my teammates over here. I stayed over here [and] I stayed in meetings. I was coming to position meetings, defensive meetings and stuff like that. I think that just helped me stay locked into football, really keep my mind off the injury and focus on learning more about football."
(On how to describe the changes Todd Bowles brought to the defense in the last two seasons)
"I think there's a lot that goes into it. I think we're all on the same page. I think that's the key part. With us and each position group, I think everyone is tighter within their groups and closer with everybody on that defense that we're able to work well together. Also, Coach Bowles brings a lot to the table with all the different defenses he has for us. It's really set up for everyone to make plays and I think that's what has really helped for everybody."
-BUCCANEERS-
