Graham Barton's message after winning starting center job will have Bucs fans fired up

To the surprise of almost nobody, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Graham Barton will begin the season as a starter.

He was the No. 26 overall pick in the draft this year and the Bucs took him with every intention of starting him as soon as possible. Outside of Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay's offensive line has bene in shambles and Barton is expected to help change that right away.

It's not the fact that he was named a starter this week that's notable, though. He's already been impressive on the field in the small sample sizes we've been given, and he's also winning folks over off the field.

Barton's reaction to the news hammers home why he's a home run pick for the Bucs and is exactly the type of attitude the locker room needs.

Graham Barton's message after winning Bucs starting center job is absolutely perfect

After winning the starting center job, Barton spoke to the media and sent a message that was as perfect as anyone could have hoped. While the rookie was grateful for having won the role, he made it abundantly clear that he still intends on earning it.

"I know they said it officially, but I think it's a role I still [have] to earn every day," Barton said. "I still think it's something that I'm coming in here to prove that I can do. I know they had to name someone, but I still think it's just [continuing] to earn it and continue to earn my keep and continue to improve because I'm still young, and I've got a long way to go."

How can you not love this kid?

Barton was expected to enter the season as the Bucs' starting center, but his reaction to winning the job should make everyone feel better about how much things are about to change. Injuries and poor play plagued the line over the last two seasons, with not even Tom Brady being strong enough to elevate himself above it.

Though it all, the leadership of Wirfs has been the lone thing to love about the line. Now Barton, in just a few months, is exhibiting the same sort of humbleness that is the right type of infectious to the locker room.

That's a testament to Wirfs, but it's also thrilling to see that Barton is already following in his footsteps off the field. It's only a matter of time before we see him do the same on it as well.

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