Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. has been making a lot of waves on social media lately. All in a good way. His work ethic and drive will lead him to greatness. Needless to say, Jason Licht may have received the steal of the draft.
Lavonte David knows all about the rigors of an NFL training camp, let alone the expectations of a rookie. Davis joined the Good Morning Football podcast on Wednesday and spoke about his first impressions of the Buccaneers rookie.
"He's a football guy" 🏈@LavonteDavid54 wishes he could play with @Buccaneers' rookie @ruebenbainjr pic.twitter.com/4XZmqQKAjh
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) August 19, 2026
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer great LaVonte David can't praise Rueben Bain, Jr.s enough
David remembers Bain as a high school kid in South Florida. He has stayed in contact with him throughout his college days. Now, he is an off-field mentor by way of friendship.
The former standout said that he still kicks himself for retiring this year, having not had the chance to play beside Bain. It would be great to see David change his mind, but he has made it crystal clear that he is done. David has made this statement before about playing with Bain.
In recent days, a video has surfaced of Bain remaining on the practice field long after the day's camp session had ended. Doing drills on his own, Bain is making sure he is in the best physical condition he can be in, but he still has to be cautious given the extreme heat of camp and the added pressure on his body.
The Buccaneers' first-round pick has made it clear from the moment he was drafted that he wanted to make every team that passed on him regret their decision. If nothing else, his work ethic should be reason enough.
Through two weeks of practice, Bain has demonstrated everything you would hope to see in a high draft pick. He is showing unquestionable leadership by example, and his physicality has been incredible from the start. Against the Jets in a joint practice, he registered three sacks.
Of course, the big test will come in about three weeks or so when the regular season begins. If the Tampa defense is going to thrive, guys like Bain need to set the tone.
While he may not have David to study on the practice field, there is enough of his influence to keep fans excited about the ceiling that Bain could hit down the road. That's the best part: he isn't close to becoming the player he can be.
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