TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs doesn't remember much of Tom Brady's earlier career. That's because Wirfs was a baby when Brady made his debut.
Now, the 6'5" 325 lb. tackle can't wait to protect one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
RECOMMENDED: 2020 DRAFT TRACKER: Bucs move up to No. 13, takes OL Tristan Wirfs
"Tom Brady has been in the league since 2000. I was born in 1999, so he’s been in the league almost as long as I’ve been alive," Wirfs said, via video chat. "It’s pretty cool to get to protect him."
The NFL has already reduced the amount of on-field work teams can do during the preseason. Now, there's doubt surrounding how much work will be done prior to the 2020 season.
Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said playing at a program like Iowa will help Wirfs' learning curve as he prepares for the NFL.
"He’s coming from a program that is similar to what we do – set-wise and pass protections, run-wise," Arians said, after the NFL Draft. "He's extremely well-coached, so I think he’s ahead of the curve that way. And should allow us to put him in the lineup when we think he’s ready."
Wirfs' said he already feels comfortable with NFL schemes and terminology.
"When I was at the combine, hearing all the verbiage that teams were using for fronts and play calls – it was pretty similar to what I was taught and what I heard at Iowa. I was just excited to see where I end up and get ready to go.”
