Panthers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is in the spotlight this week as his new team takes on his old one Thursday night. McCoy spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Buccaneers and he was their best player for much of that stretch. McCoy made it to the Pro Bowl six times and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2013.
Some people don’t think that qualifies McCoy as a franchise legend, though. Specifically, former Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Last month, Sapp made headlines by claiming McCoy isn’t even close to a Bucs legend, per Jenna Laine at ESPN.
“He didn’t have no chips in his game. No Defensive Player of the Year. . . What am I missing here, Gerald? You’re talking about something silly. Come on, man — stop. If you’re mad, you’re mad, but don’t put it on the organization that the organization did it. Every NFL team has to move on.. . He’s a damn good player. A damn good player. But not even close [to a legend].”
Today, McCoy took a jab back at Sapp. When he was asked about his legacy in Tampa Bay, he replied: “I don’t know, ask Warren Sapp.”
McCoy may not have a Super Bowl ring or a bust in the Hall of Fame. He does have something Sapp never will, though: class.
