Leonard Fournette has been huge for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout their run to Super Bowl LV. The 26-year old running back has been instrumental in helping the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers make just their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Much of his success with Tampa Bay comes from his acceptance of his role and being a star in it.

Bucs head coach Bruce Arians applauded Fournette's mentality throughout the season and for embracing whatever role he received from the 68-year old.

Via Michael David Smith of NBC Sports:

“It’s very, very hard when you’re a superstar and you’re the focal point of the offense and you come to a [different] team and you’re basically a role player for a while,” said Arians. “It’s a very hard role to accept. I just told him, ‘This Buccaneers team is special and you’re a huge part of it. Embrace your role – you never know when your role is going to change.’ Then, Ro got hurt. He got COVID and then he got hurt. I’m really, really proud of Leonard and the way he’s handled it.”

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Arians acknowledged how difficult it must have been for Fournette to swallow the bitter pill of not being the face of a franchise. Fournette probably did not envision becoming a role player, especially after a stellar four-year college career at LSU and being selected 4th overall in the 2017 draft.

However, after the Jacksonville Jaguars chose to let him go by his third NFL season, the 6-foot running back may have gotten the reality check he needed. Fournette signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in the off-season.

Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs is set for Feb. 7 at the Raymond James Stadium.