Emotions are running high in Tampa Bay! Former Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King isn't holding back, and he's calling out the team's effort, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of certain players. This isn't just a casual observation; it's a direct challenge that could shake things up significantly.
On December 13th, 2025, the former Bucs QB, who's also a lifelong fan from St. Petersburg, expressed his frustration. He believes the team is underperforming despite having players who are highly compensated.
King didn't mince words during his appearance on The Coach JB Show. He stated, "Everybody on our defense that’s been eligible to get a bag has got a bag, and they be out there like they don’t give a good god damn."
He was particularly incensed by the team's performance during the Thursday Night Football game, where they squandered a 28-14 lead. "A debacle like that... where you’re up 28-14 with everything at stake you just fall on your face? … We made Kyle Pitts look like the reincarnation of prime Tony Gonzalez. Like are you kidding me?"
This kind of public criticism puts head coach Todd Bowles in a precarious position. King, one of only four quarterbacks to lead the Buccaneers to the NFC Championship game, knows what it takes to win, and he's clearly not seeing it from this team.
King, who has experience as a former quarterbacks and running backs coach at the University of South Florida, also pointed a finger at quarterback Baker Mayfield. He believes Mayfield has been struggling for weeks, looking inaccurate and under pressure.
And this is the part most people miss... King observed that Mayfield seemed particularly uncomfortable in the pocket during the Thursday night game.
But here's where it gets controversial... King's comments raise a crucial question: Is the team's lack of effort a reflection of the players' attitudes, or is there something deeper at play? What do you think? Do you agree with King's assessment, or do you see things differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
