The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will begin the 2026 season with defensive tackle Vita Vea, who recently signed a contract extension. Vea spoke to the media following his signing and addressed the scrutiny surrounding head coach Todd Bowles after the team's disappointing finish last season.
The Buccaneers started the 2025 season strong with a 6-2 record but ended with a 2-7 run, resulting in a missed playoff opportunity. Vea defended Bowles, stating that the criticism directed at him was unwarranted. He emphasized that the players, rather than the coach, should be held accountable for the team's struggles.
"I feel like I kind of want to set the record straight. I feel like there's a lot of stuff going about on Bowles," Vea remarked. He expressed confidence in Bowles' ability to prepare the team, asserting that the players failed to execute the game plan effectively.
Vea stated, "If anything, blame us players for not executing. Bowles always puts us in the best position to win games."
Vea's comments reflect the support Bowles has from the locker room, with other players like Lavonte David and Jalen McMillan also coming to his defense. Vea concluded his remarks with a light-hearted declaration of loyalty, saying, "I even told Bowles, the day he retires, is the day I retire."
