With Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp set to get underway, players are beginning to report to the team's facilities. One key player, however, left a less-than-stellar impression on the coaching staff when he returned from the offseason. According to Rich Stroud, Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette has shown up to camp overweight and out of condition, leaving Bucs coaches furious.
Via Rich Stroud on the Sports Day Tampa Bay Podcast;
“Coaches were not happy, and that’s an understatement, when [Fournette] didn’t participate in the OTAs, but then he shows up at the mandatory minicamp weighing damn near 260 [pounds],” Stroud said. “And that’s not a good sign for a guy that you’ve just spent a three-year contract on.”
Stroud indicates that Fournette is currently tipping the scale at a staggering 260 pounds. NFL.com lists his weight as 228 pounds, meaning the Bucs' running back may have spent a bit too much time enjoying himself in the offseason, rather than keeping his weight under control. A 32-pound increase is quite remarkable in such a short span of time, though it's entirely possible Stroud was being hyperbolic about the actual figure.
Regardless, a weight gain significant enough to draw ire from coaches is a major concern for fans, especially given Fournette just extended his stay with the Buccaneers for another three years on a $21 million deal.
Hopefully, the added weight doesn't impact his play on the field much. Videos from the offseason show Fournette looking to be in decent shape while doing power cleans in the gym, so it's clear the strength hasn't disappeared.
Leonard “Frenchie” Fournette with a final set of 325 on power cleans today on Big Clean Friday‼️ @_fournette #FreakyFriday pic.twitter.com/zIRpLQ0piz
— J.Bush CSCS, USAW, PES (@JBush____) July 1, 2022
If Fournette is truly overweight heading into training camp, it'll be a worry for the team, and we're sure Tom Brady will let him hear it. After skipping OTAs, which was already a move that didn't sit well with the staff, Fournette may have to quickly shed some pounds if he wants to get back in their good graces.
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