The National Football League is all about perseverance and Blake Sims has it.
Tampa Bay becomes the fourth professional venue that’s offering the former Alabama quarterback and 2014 Southeastern Conference champion an opportunity. According to NFL writer Greg Auman (Tampa Bay Times), the Buccaneers have signed Sims to its practice squad as a running back. Currently, head coach Derek Koetter and company are trying to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2007. Tampa Bay, who is 8-7, must win next week against Carolina and get help from a few other teams to obtain a wildcard spot in the NFC.
The Buccaneers are flooded with talented backs including Doug Martin and Charles Sims, but with so many guys headed to injury reserve—a few promotions will be made from its scout team.
Prior to Wednesday’s news, Sims earned a practice squad role with the Atlanta Falcons and tryouts for both the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins. He even embraced the Canadian Football League for a moment with the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Sims was Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2014. He recorded 3,487 passing yards with 35 total touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
