GENERAL MANAGER JASON LICHT & OFFENSIVE TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(Opening Statement)

Jason Licht: "What an awesome day – a relief. I said back in February, that to sign all the guys back that were about to walk out the door in free agency, including Baker [Mayfield] and Mike [Evans], Lavonte [David], Antoine [Winfield Jr.], Chase [McLaughlin], we brought back Jordan Whitehead…If we get this one done, we should do a boat parade because that's the greatest offseason I can imagine since I've been here. If anybody has a boat, let me know after this [laughs]. If anybody deserves to be the highest-paid in franchise history and the highest-paid O-lineman in the history of the NFL, it's this guy right here. It's a testament that his teammates are here along with [Wirfs' girlfriend and child] Meredith and Julius. But, his teammates are here [and] everybody is excited for Tristan because of what he embodies as a leader, a person, a player – a freakish athlete – all of those things. He just means so much to this organization and what we are trying to build here in terms of the culture with [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles and what he has done. This is the tightest-knit group I've ever been around, in terms of the locker room. A lot of that is because of Tristan. I'm going to turn it over to Tristan."

Tristan Wirfs: "It's exciting stuff – having the guys here, having Meredith here, having the baby here. It's been an insane four years and here we are. It's been a lot of fun and [I have] a lot of memories, and a lot more left to come. It's pretty awesome."

(On the amount of love and appreciation that his teammates have showed him today after the news broke)

TW: "It makes me feel really good. I love it here – I've loved every minute here. I think Jason [Licht] said it a minute ago, we have a really tight-knit group, I think across the board – coaches, players, support staff, everybody. Everybody has got their hand in the pile and it meant a lot to me that everyone was really excited and happy for me. It was super cool. I gave [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles a big hug, I gave Jason a big hug. It was awesome."

(On what it means to be the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history)

TW: "I think it's pretty cool. I don't know that it was necessarily a goal coming in the NFL, but it's just a lot of hard work, trying my best to come out there and be the best teammate I can be – the best player I can be. I wouldn't be here without all of these guys. It's pretty cool."

(On him being present for all of the press conferences following the extensions for LB Lavonte David, WR Mike Evans, QB Baker Mayfield, and S Antoine Winfield Jr.)

TW: "It's pretty awesome. I was there training and I just wanted to be there to support the fellas. Mike, Baker, Antoine, all of these guys…Actually, I wasn't there for Mike's, I'll take that back. I wish I was. I didn't know it was that day. But no, to have these guys here supporting me, it means the world to me. They're my best friends. We bleed together, we sweat together, we cry together. It means a lot."

(On the first thing that QB Baker Mayfield said to him when he heard the news)

TW: "He gave me a big hug right outside the equipment room this morning. He said, 'You deserve it, brother,' and that he was happy for me."

(On what he told his mom when his deal got finalized)

TW: "I called her last night and I said, 'We're damn close, mom.' She sent me like three text messages – I've got to reply. I'll probably call her right after this. I think she's coming down this weekend. Just that we did it…We went through a lot growing up. She had my back every step of the way and wanted to make sure I had everything I needed to go out there and have fun. Now we're here."

(On the importance of the fifth year in Wirfs' contract)

TW: "I don't really want to be anywhere else. It's pretty nice here. I think both parties were happy. Tampa is a pretty good place to be [laughs]."

JL: "It was important to us to make sure we have Tristan as long as we can. Hopefully he retires a [Buccaneer]. Our other goal was to make him the highest-paid athlete from Mount Vernon, Iowa, so we surpassed that so we hit on all cylinders here."

(On what it feels like for GM Jason Licht to have this deal completed)

JL: "It's relief. I really can't put it into words. [I am] just really excited about this, really grateful for the people that are working for me – with me – Mike Greenberg, Jackie Davidson, on the contracts, John Spytek, the scouting group. There's a lot of bad things about COVID, but there was one good thing about COVID and it was the draft that year when we got Tristan and Antoine [Winfield Jr.]. People just working hard, especially on the contract. Jeremy Newberry, Tristan's agent, we had a lot of going back and forth, but very patient on his end. [He is a] very good agent. But, Mike [Greenberg], Jackie [Davidson]…It's taken a long time. These things seem like they'd be easy to do, but there's just a lot of hammering things out. But, [I am] very grateful, I guess, to answer it in a short way."

(On Wirfs practicing during training camp and why that was important to him)

TW: "I just wanted to be out there with the guys. OTAs, I was in the weight room, I was watching out the window like that SpongeBob meme with Squidward watching them, just wanting to be out there but knowing what's at stake. Then, coming out here during these first couple of days during training camp, doing as much as I can – individual [drills], being there with 'Skuley' (Justin Skule) and Luke [Goedeke], talking about technique stuff. The biggest thing is I just wanted to be with them. I didn't want to be an asshole, sitting out. I was just trying to do what I can to be around still and be there, be in their ear, have them tell me what looks they're getting and stuff – be there as much, mentally, as I could."

(On being in his second year at the left tackle position and how much more comfortable he is now)

TW: "Yeah, compared to last year…I was going through it last year. I feel good. It was nice to kind of go through an offseason and not have that stress of it kind of looming over me [and] knowing I could go get to work. I'm more comfortable in my stance, I'm more comfortable in my get off – everything – so I can kind of just get down to business. I definitely feel a lot better – a lot better, mentally. I'm excited."

(On what it means to GM Jason Licht to go through the roster rebuild over the last two years and to have a new core group intact for several more seasons)

JL: "I think at the time last year, I said that it was challenging, but it was a fun challenge. It's what the scouts are wired for – bringing in [players] and turning over the roster. [They] have fun with it, trying to find sleepers, trying to find value. But then, also, to tie a bow around it with rewarding our own [players] like Tristan and Antoine [Winfield Jr.] and Mike [Evans] and Lavonte [David], bringing Baker [Mayfield] in and seeing the success that he had, it's just very rewarding for all of us."

(On having tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke as the bookends of the offensive line)

JL: "It's a great feeling, as a general manager or front office or coach or owner, that you have two solid tackles – two very good tackles. We think we do. They play off each other, they're very close and that helps. I'm very proud of Luke [Goedeke] and how he came through his rookie year – which I didn't think was as bad as some people. He struggled a little bit, like all rookies, but I thought he played very [well] – we were very happy with him. But, moving him to tackle to see how he thrived there at his natural position was fun to see."

(On the potential for Tampa Bay's offensive line to play together for a long time)

TW: "Definitely. Now we go. It's really exciting. I think we can take a big step this year, especially in the run game. I think that's been a big point of emphasis the last couple of years. Now, it's up to us. We've got to put it on our shoulders. I think we carry that task well – we're totally up for it. It's going to be exciting. It's going to be really fun. It's really cool to see how much we all care and want to be an elite unit. It's going to be a lot of fun to go out there and give it our all."

(On how he feels like he's grown as a leader on this team)

TW: "I think in kind of the vocal aspect. I've never really been a big vocal leader – it's been kind of hard. I get ahead of myself, I start talking super-fast, I'll stutter a little bit. I think just calming down and accepting that role a little bit [has helped]. We had a bunch of elite veterans when I first came in so, they naturally had that leadership role. Now, when I kind of had to step into it, and even last year, being captain for the first time – that was an unbelievable feeling – but just knowing guys look to you and you've got to step up a little bit and take advantage of it. Run with it."

(On how he can use his platform to discuss mental health issues given his status around the league now)

TW: "I think, that's the thing, just talk about it – get it out of your head, get it out in the open, because it'll just fester. If you let it sit there, it just festers. It's okay to talk about it. I was going through it. I was anxious, I was nervous about making the switch. Some people thought that was stupid. I was like, 'It is what it is.' We all deal with it. People think we're invincible, but we're people too. That's the biggest thing – talk to somebody about it. Get it off your chest and you'll feel a lot better."

(On what Wirfs' reaction was like when he received the contract)

JL: "I never physically handed it to him. I can only imagine what it would be, though."

TW: "It was good. It was a good face [laughs]."

(On how Licht feels about the state of the roster right now)

JL: "It's hard not to feel great. We've got some great players. You can't predict what's going to happen during the season – there are a lot of things that are out of everybody's hands. We have the foundation of guys like Tristan that you build a team around – Antoine [Winfield Jr.] as well, Baker [Mayfield] – we've got some great players. I could keep going on and on – Mike [Evans] – I feel like I'm going to leave people out. I could keep going on and on. It's really cool when you look out there and you see all the players that we have, not even mentioning defensive players that are young and veterans…It's hard to not get very excited. The thing that gets me the most excited and talking to my people is just the camaraderie and the vibes that are going through our office right now, from players to coaches to [Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance] Bobby [Slater], the training room, the equipment room – everybody. It's at an all-time high. Hopefully that transfers to the field. It's better than not having great vibes right now."

(On how Wirfs feels about the state of the roster)

TW: "I think we have a lot of guys that care. I think Jason said it, as well, [this is] one of the closest units I've been a part of, across the board. It's fun being out at practice. Guys love coming out there and competing. That's what it's going to take – us competing every day and coming out with an attention to detail and trying to get better and pushing each other to be the best we can be. The Super Bowl is obviously the goal – I think that's the goal for everybody. [We are] just doing whatever it takes to get back there and lifting that trophy. It's a damn good feeling, so we've got to do it again."

(On what he might gift the other offensive linemen this year)

TW: "It's got to be a good one…It's got to be a good one, doesn't it? [laughs hysterically]. You're putting me in the hot seat [continues to laugh hysterically]. We'll be good. I'll get a good one. I'll get a good one. I promise, boys, I promise."

HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On OLB Yaya Diaby getting injured at practice today)

"He has an ankle [injury]. That's all we know right now. We'll see what the prognosis is as we go forward and take some more tests."

(On going through the highs and lows of today)

"I mean, it's football. We'll wait for the results to come in. Right now, we're hopeful so we'll wait and see before we say all is lost right now. You know, he's having a great camp, he's a great player and we just wish the best for him."

(On the positives and negatives of today's practice)

"Mentally I thought we got some work done. With as hot as it was, getting through and understanding [that] we have to play in this type of weather. But it wasn't a wasted day. We got some work done. [There are] still some things to work on but we got mentally tougher."

(On the specific play that OLB Yaya Diaby got hurt on)

"When I looked down – it was two-minute [drill] – it was the last period, and when I looked down, there were already four guys on the ground so I have to look at the film."

(On S Jordan Whitehead not practicing)

"He has a sore quad but he'll be alright in a couple days."

(On G Sua Opeta being out for the season)

"I mean, it's a shame. He was doing really well. He was somebody we were looking forward to seeing a lot more of. He was doing great in the spring. He started out camp great and [it's] unfortunate, but you know, you have to move on."

(On if G Sua Opeta will require surgery)

"[I'm] not sure yet."

(On G Elijah Klein's progress so far this season)

"We knew he was tough and he was very physical. Just getting the technique down and learning the system would have been his thing. I think he's coming along fine. He's making great strides. He's paying attention. He's a load to deal with. [We] just have to continue to work on footwork and technique."

(On who will have to step up if OLB Yaya Diaby will be out for a while)

"I'll probably wait to answer that question but all of them have to step up. We still have Joe [Tryon-Shoyinka], we have 'Nellie' (Anthony Nelson), we have [Markees] Watts, Jose [Ramirez] has to step up. We have a lot of guys over there that are in contention and battling for spots but hopefully it's not that bad. we'll see how it goes."

(On CB Tavierre Thomas being able to play both special teams and defense)

"We knew he was a great [special] teams player when he came in. Defensively, he's been doing an outstanding job. He gets his hands on balls, whether it's safety or nickel. He's been showing up on tape. We knew about the toughness part of it. We didn't know about the defensive part of it all – the way he studies. The defense is getting slower for him and he's playing faster and it's showing."

(On the expectations of DL Logan Hall entering year three)

"Just to be better fundamentally. If we can get him better fundamentally and get him to use his hands more, I think he'll be very effective as a run stopper and a pass pressure, so [he's] got to be better fundamentally. At times he does it great. At times he's working on it and doesn't do it that great so we have to be consistent at that."

(On how DL Logan Hall has been at training camp so far)

"He's been good. He's been very good. He's trying different things. He's seeing how much power he has when he uses his hands, and he's getting a lot of confidence out of that."

(On T Tristan Wirfs signing a five-year contract extension)

"It says a lot about us keeping our own guys. From a stability standpoint, the guys that played great got rewarded greatly, and they're leaders on our team. [It] says a lot about the organization getting the job done. It says a lot about the team taking care of their own, especially the great ones that played. To get him locked up like that, as much as he's done for the organization over the years, is outstanding."

(On ownership signing off on all of the offseason contracts)

"Well, it starts there. Everything starts with the ownership. The Glazers have been very gracious giving out money to guys that needed to be extended that were well worth it, and they are very fair. They don't mind paying their own when they play great. They do a great job and our success starts at the top and it starts with them."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN LOGAN HALL

(On what he's been working to improve on)

"[I] put a lot of time in this offseason… working on my rush, my strength, and I feel like that's shown up so far this camp."

(On if he's been working on the fundamentals)

"Oh absolutely. Hands, feet, eyes - you can never work on that enough. I need to keep improving on those."

(On his first performance in his first two seasons with Tampa Bay)

"I think my play needs to improve for this team to go where it needs to go. [In] the games we have won and played well, the D-line has always played well. We kind of hang our hat on that, and I personally think that I need to improve for us to go where we need to go."

(On the message Tampa Bay's coaches are giving the players this season)

"Just [to] make the plays I need to make. You can't be somebody that's undependable. If there is a play I need to make, always be where you [have] to be. That's kind of what I need to do."

(On DL William Gholston resigning with Tampa Bay for his 12^th NFL season)

"I was hyped. Will is a heck of a guy. He has been a hell of a player for this franchise. He's just a guy you want to learn from and be around. He's fulfilled that role perfectly. He's been a great big brother and a great mentor -- even beyond football. He's an awesome guy. I'm really happy to have him back. He's been awesome."

(On if an early season playoff rematch against the Detroit Lions is motivating the team through training camp)

"Absolutely. That loss left a bitter taste in our mouths. Nobody was satisfied or happy after that loss. We have a lot to prove this season, but not to look that far forward. That is definitely something we are going to have to handle business on, and that starts today."

-BUCCANEERS-