This week, playing for Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. Next week, playing for LSU coach Lane Kiffin?
This week, preparing to face theJacksonville Jaguars in a preseason game. Next week, preparing to face Clemson (Sept. 5) or Louisiana Tech (Sept. 12)?
This week, a professional football player. Next week, a college football player (again)?
Such is the whirlwind for Jacksonville native Jack Pyburn, who is equal parts trying to make the Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent and getting close to deciding his future.
“Honestly, I’m just focused on football and my process of becoming a better football player and what happens will happen,” Pyburn told The Florida Times-Union after the Buccaneers-Jaguars joint practice on Aug. 25. “As far
as for me, that’s my focus.
“That’s it.”
A lawsuit filed in Louisiana by Pyburn and more than 30 other athletes won a temporary restraining order earlier this month to allow them to play college sports this year. Pyburn and other players who have been in NFL camps can regain their eligibility if they terminate their pro contracts and repay any earnings such as a signing bonus.
The lawsuits are a product of the NCAA streamlining its eligibility rules to give athletes five years to play five seasons. Because he was a four-year player, Pyburn and others are challenging the rule by saying they should be given a fifth year, too.
Pyburn could make more money in college
On Aug. 24, tight end Dae’Quan Wright was asked and granted his release by the Cleveland Browns so he could join LSU if he clears NFL waivers.
By not asking for his release, Pyburn is sticking it out with the Buccaneers, which could mean something (he’s ready to move on from college football) or nothing (he’s keeping his options open).
The financial element is semi-difficult to untie.
Players with two or fewer accrued seasons like Pyburn can make an 18-week practice squad salary of $247,500.
If Pyburn announces his intent to return to college football and to LSU specifically, a conservative estimate is $1 million. Other schools may have interest, but don’t have the roster space or out of name, imagine and likeness money.
Pyburn graduated from the Bolles School and signed with Florida as a three-star recruit. He had three tackles in 2022, 17 tackles before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2023 and 60 tackles in 2024. He transferred to LSU for what he thought was his final college season and had 52 tackles and two sacks.
’Blessing’ to be back in Jacksonville
For the time being, Pyburn is enjoying a return to Jacksonville. After the Buccaneers arrived at their hotel in Ponte Vedra Beach on Aug. 24, he visited with friends and family and he expects a large turnout for the preseason game on Aug. 28.
“It’s cool and just a blessing to be back home and be back in the city,” Pyburn said.
Pyburn has two sacks (both against the New York Jets) and six tackles in two preseason games for Tampa Bay.
Upon joining the Buccaneers, Pyburn said the main coaching point was clear.
“I had to be better with my hands and not get caught on blocks and not just run into people,” he said. “The art of pass rushing is using your hands and your angles and creating space. The biggest thing I’ve worked on is creating space with my rushes and in the run game and not allow guys to grab me and hold me.”
Pyburn said his mindset is to, “not focus on outcomes and just develop every single week and get better and better. I feel like, as athletes, it’s not hard to focus on the outcome and that’s the downfall because if you have a good week, it’s, ‘Oh, I’m going to back off this week,’ or they don’t have a good week and might get down on themselves. It’s all about sticking to the process and every week should be the same (if it’s the) biggest game, smallest game, bye week.”
Pyburn credits Tampa Bay veteran players Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson and outside linebackers coach Larry Foote for serving as important mentors.
If anything, participating in Tampa Bay’s offseason program and preseason will prepare him for a potential practice squad call-up (if he is retained) or to make an instant impact in his fifth college season.
Contact O’Halloran at rohalloran@gannett.com or on X at @ryanohalloran. Listen to Ryan on 1010AM on Tuesdays (6:35 p.m. on “Into The Night"), Thursdays (1:15 on "XL Primetime") and Fridays (4-7 p.m.).
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jax native Jack Pyburn's focus on this week (Bucs), not next (LSU?)
