Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake up Week 1 lineup with Michael Jordan starting at left guard
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have created quite a stir ahead of their Week 1 matchup by making an unexpected change in their starting lineup. This alteration centers around an intriguing figure: Michael Jordan—not the legendary basketball player, nor the actor, but an offensive lineman stepping into a pivotal role.
Intriguing Lineup Changes
As reported by beat reporter Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers have enacted significant shifts along their offensive line. In a move that has raised eyebrows, Ben Bredesen will now take over the center position, while Graham Barton transitions from center to left tackle—a position he manned for three years during his time at Duke. The most surprising twist? Michael Jordan has been named the new starter at left guard. Stroud highlights the organization’s decision, suggesting there’s “more trust in this than playing Charlie Hack at LT.”
ESPN analyst Ben Solak chimed in on the situation, emphasizing the magnitude of this move with a touch of humor: “The extremely elusive center to left tackle flop!!! That’s crazy!”
Who Is Michael Jordan?
For those unfamiliar, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Michael Jordan is a seasoned offensive guard who was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. At 27 years old, he has an intriguing journey in professional football.
Jordan spent his first two seasons with the Bengals, starting a total of 19 games. He then had a stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he started 10 games. However, his 2022 season saw him relegated to backup duties. After missing the 2023 season, he made a comeback in 2024, appearing in 12 games with 11 starts for the New England Patriots.
Born in January 1998 in Cincinnati, Jordan has lived with the unique challenge of sharing a name with one of the most iconic athletes of all time. Nevertheless, he has proven himself as a formidable presence on the field, weighing in at 315 pounds, a bit more than the famed Michael Jordan from the basketball court.
Looking Ahead
As the Buccaneers prepare for their first game of the season, all eyes will be on how these lineup changes play out on the field. With a mix of experience and a fresh approach to the offensive line, Tampa Bay is poised to make a statement in the upcoming matchup.
