TAMPA (Fla.) -- Nine years after Richard Sherman, cornerback, infamously trolling quarterback Tom Brady with T shirts that said "U mad bro?" After a win of 24-23 over the New England Patriots the two became teammates and are now members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady was a key player in Sherman's recruitment. Sherman was contacted by Brady before the Bucs' front offices did. Sherman was also interested in the Carolina Panthers Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.
Sherman said, "He's just another competitor. Sherman, 33, said Sherman was a three-time All-Pro, five times Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl XLVIII winner.
"Anything it takes to win, obsessed," that's what Kobe Bryant was for -- the late great -- so that you can see that about one another. This is what attracted me to him. He is the same animal as me."
They had been texting each other for years, and they always believed it would be fun to play together. Ashley, his wife, was all he needed to be blessed.
Sherman stated, "Once he calls you, you better be there or you'll regret it," She was on board. She believed this was the best way to do what you love, play at a high-level and chase a trophy.
Sherman flew cross-country from Seattle to Tampa at 9:30 p.m. Sherman arrived at the team facility for COVID-19 testing before 6:30 the following morning. He had a physical and signed his contract. By 10:50, he was practicing with his new team-mates in full pads.
Safety Jordan Whitehead stated that he was "teaching us things, some pointers." He was asking questions, giving tips and teaching us from the walk-throughs. We said to him that we were all still young. We all need a leader. He was here today, and he gave us lots of tips. He was a great listener. He is right at home. It's almost as if he's been around for a while.
Instead of his trademark No. 25, he's wearing No. Instead of wearing his trademark No. He's wearing No. Rayden Sherman was his son and he was born February 5, 2005. It's a new beginning, both in football and in turning page on one the most difficult chapters in his life.
Sherman was taken into custody July 15th in connection to an incident at his wife's home in Redmond, Washington. Sherman was charged with five misdemeanors including two counts each of criminal trespass and malicious mischief in domestic violence. He also faces resisting arrest, driving under the influence, and reckless endangerment to roadway workers.
He pleaded guilty to all five of the charges and is currently receiving counseling. In a July Twitter statement, he stated that he felt "deeply sorry" for his actions and that he "behaved in an manner I'm ashamed of."
A pretrial hearing for Sherman is scheduled for Friday, Washington.
Sherman called the incident on Wednesday. His wife had made a 911 call stating that Sherman was drunk and belligerent and threatened suicide.
He said, "It led me to some really positive things -- some help, some therapies and some tools that were new to me -- to address some issues that you've let accumulate in your head." They are never in your reach. It is not the right time. These emotions and feelings are not appropriate for your life.
"It forced me to take a step back, ask for help and get it. I learned to not be afraid to ask and to be proud to ask. It was amazing to see how many people had experienced the same problem. Because it's easy to feel isolated. This makes you feel isolated.
"At least within the Black community, it's one those things that you're not taught to seek advice, to seek out help. It's like saying, "Hey man. I'll deal. Let's tough it out. It's like saying, "Let's move on to the next play," in football terms. It's like 'You give up the touchdown? It's like forgetting about it, I can get a touchdown. This is true for life. You never get over a tragedy or something horrible that happens in your life. It's like saying, "I need to get better" and continue pushing for my dreams. "I can't handle that right now.
Sherman stated that he has received many messages from others who have been through similar experiences. Sherman said that he now feels like he has the right support network.
Sherman stated, "Just being in public eye all of the time -- it is not like I deliberately put myself out there." You have two options: you can take responsibility and help others through bad situations and make it better, or you can hide. I chose to not hide."
Bruce Arians, coach, said that Richard doesn't need any support system. However, he has all the help he requires. "So if Richard needs one, I have known Richard for a long time, 10, 11, years. "... Everyone makes mistakes."
Sherman stated that he expects to play in the next week. Sherman might be able to play because Jamel Dean, the cornerback, was able to practice Wednesday after suffering a knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams. Sean Murphy-Bunting could be the Bucs' only starting cornerback on Sunday.
Terminology will be the biggest problem in his adjustment. Sherman has a perfect playing weight of 195 lbs.
Arians stated that he would be hurt if he was out there this week. We'll see. "We'll wait and see. He has so much to learn, and he hasn’t worn pads in so long. He does know how to play the game.
Wide receiver Mike Evans believes Sherman can still play at a high level. They met in 2019 and fought.
"I had some fights with him. He is an all-time great player. He is a very intelligent player and one of the most brilliant players to ever play the game. Evans stated that he believes he will be a great help to us. He still has it. He will never lose his mind.
Sherman claimed that Brady was still mad and that they exchanged their jerseys about four to five years ago. Because he was uncomfortable framing it on a Wall, it's currently in a safe.
Sherman wrote, "I'm still mad bro," Brady wrote it on the jersey. He wrote it on the jersey.
