Brady is shipshape even in Bucs’ parade
TAMPA, Fla.— Even on the water, it seems the connection on and off the field between Super Bowl champions quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski cannot be denied.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held a boat parade Wednesday to celebrate their championship on a sun-splashed day with thousands of fans lining the Hillsborough River near downtown Tampa.
At one point, Brady was captured on video tossing the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy from his boat across the water to a shirtless Gronkowski in another boat. That brought wild cheers from fans and players.
Of course, Brady threw two touchdown passes to the player affectionately known as “Gronk” in their 31-9 Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. They connected numerous times when both were New England Patriots, and Brady lured Gronk out of retirement to play for the Buccaneers.
As the parade came to a close, head coach Bruce Arians said the Buccaneers could easily repeat as champions if the team stays intact. Brady already said he’ll be back.
“We have the best coaching staff in the NFL. And we damn sure have the best players in the NFL,” Arians said. “We’re going to keep the band together.”
Mayor Jane Castor had emphasized that people attending the parade needed to wear masks outdoors and observe social distancing rules.
It appeared many abided by the mask order but many others did not. There were also dozens of people on private boats, kayaks and other watercraft crowding the river to catch a glimpse of the team. They were directed to stay at least 50 feet (15 meters) from the boats carrying players.
Quessenberry’s brother to Texans
The Texans have signed former New England Patriots tight end-fullback Paul Quessenberry, the younger brother of former Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry.
Paul Quessenberry was on and off the Patriots' roster last season after going undrafted out of the Naval Academy.
Quessenberry graduated from Navy in 2015 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served in the Marine Corps for five years as an officer before signing with New England last year.
The 6-2, 250-pound California native spent time on their practice squad last season after converting from defensive end to playing offense on a full-time basis.
David Quessenberry is a 2013 Texans sixth-round draft pick from San Jose State who now plays for the Titans.
He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, returning to play for the Texans after his cancer went into remission following radiation treatment.
Broncos to cut ex-Texan Bouye
The Denver Broncos are releasing cornerback A.J. Bouye after one tumultuous season.
Bouye’s injury-riddled season in Denver was cut short when he received a six-game suspension in December for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. His suspension still includes two games next season.
Before the suspension, the 29-year-old Bouye was plagued by injuries. He finished the season with just 23 tackles and no interceptions.
Signed by the Texans as a college free agent out of Central Florida, Bouye played four seasons in Houston, then signed with Jacksonville and played with the Jaguars for three seasons before being traded to Denver in March 2020.
Washington keeps Heinicke
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke re-signed with Washington, a two-year deal worth $8.75 million afer an impressive performance in his playoff debut.
The 27-year-old Heinicke was 26 of 44 for 306 yards with a touchdown passing and one rushing in Washington’s wild-card loss to Tampa Bay.