Bucs Players Speak Up: Diaby, Barton & Johnson Lead Training Camp Hype

When Yaya Diaby, Graham Barton and Tez Johnson

took the podium at the AdventHealth Training Facility on July 27, 2025, the air was thick with optimism. The trio, representing the Buccaneers, shared their confidence in the so‑called “Krewe” and laid out a roadmap for a season that promises to be anything but ordinary. The press conference, streamed on the Bucs’ YouTube channel, ran just over half an hour and was broken into three distinct segments: Diaby’s 6‑minute deep‑dive, Barton's 9‑minute breakdown of line play, and Johnson’s 10‑minute look at the passing attack. Head Coach Todd Bowles later joined a Portuguese‑language podcast to field additional questions, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to a multilingual fanbase.

Training Camp Kickoff and Player Outlook

The July session marked the official start of the Bucs’ 2025 training camp, held at the sprawling AdventHealth complex at 14800 Challenger Boulevard in Tampa, Florida. Diaby, the 26‑year‑old outside linebacker from Germany, emphasized his role in “bringing pressure” and praised the chemistry he’s developing with rookie safety Baker Mayfield. "We’re hungry," he said, gesturing toward the state‑of‑the‑art film rooms and weight racks. Barton, the new center, highlighted the importance of interior line stability, noting that a cohesive O‑line is the "engine" that lets the Bucs’ explosive receivers thrive. Johnson, fresh off a standout preseason, promised to stretch the field with “big‑play speed” and hinted at a deeper route tree designed by offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

Week 3 Victory Over the Jets: Diaby’s Press Conference

Fast forward to September 22, 2025: the Bucs edged the New York Jets 29‑27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The win propelled Tampa to a 2‑1 record heading into Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. That night, Diaby returned to the microphone, this time for a concise 6‑minute briefing. He opened with a thrilled, "He's doing a great job, man," referring to a rookie receiver’s one‑handed catch that left him and the crowd muttering, "Whoa!" He praised the emerging partnership between the receiver and Mayfield, then shifted to the upcoming Eagles clash, saying, "I can't wait for Motown." When asked about teammate wideout Mike Evans’s hamstring setback, Diaby replied, "Yeah, that's not something we love to see, you know. Just praying for him and hoping he gets back quick."

Injury Update: Mike Evans’ Hamstring

Evans, a five‑time Pro Bowler, suffered a grade‑II hamstring strain during the Week 3 game. The injury was confirmed by the team’s medical staff, who placed him on the short‑term injury list. While the Bucs have depth at the receiver position, Evans’ veteran presence is irreplaceable in clutch moments. Defensive coordinator Calijah Kacy Rodgers noted that the defense will need to stay aggressive to compensate for any offensive dip, echoing Diaby’s earlier sentiment: "Sky's the limit" for the unit’s growth.

Playoff Road: Divisional Round Preparations

After a hard‑fought regular season, Tampa clinched a spot in the 2025 NFL playoffs. The Divisional Round pits the Bucs against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 18, 2026. In the lead‑up, Bowles addressed the media, stressing the “road performance” that has become a hallmark of his tenure. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales, speaking after Thursday’s practice, warned that the Lions’ defensive line will be “physical,” urging the Bucs to maintain a balanced attack. Meanwhile, Run Game Coordinator Calijah Kacy Rodgers highlighted the development of defensive end Calijah Kancey, declaring that his growth is a "sky’s the limit" story that could tilt the field.

Team Strategy and Coaching Perspectives

The Bucs’ coaching staff has been vocal about a two‑front philosophy: a stout run game anchored by Barton’s line work, and a dynamic passing attack led by Johnson and Mayfield. Bowles often references the “Krewe” as a cultural touchstone, uniting players, staff, and fans. In a recent interview, he said, "When the city of Tampa stands behind us, we carry that energy onto the field." The franchise’s front office, led by general manager Jason Licht (not marked as primary per guidelines), has focused on bolstering depth at linebacker and wide receiver, moves that are already paying dividends.

What ‘Krewe’ Means to Buccaneers Fans

The term “Krewe” harks back to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras traditions, symbolizing a close‑knit community. For Bucs supporters, it represents the shared identity between the team’s on‑field swagger and Tampa’s vibrant culture. Social media analytics show a 27% spike in hashtag usage (#BucsKrewe) after each press conference, indicating that the messaging resonates.

• July 27, 2025 – Training camp press conference at AdventHealth Facility.
• Sept. 22, 2025 – 29‑27 win over Jets; Diaby’s media appearance.
• Oct. 10, 2025 – Evans placed on short‑term IR.
• Jan. 18, 2026 – Divisional Round vs. Lions at Ford Field.