Will Gholston on Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 Season, Coaching, and NFL Predictions

NFC South Division Predictions

• 🏆 The hosts predict the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the NFC South for the fifth consecutive year, projecting an 11-win season.
• 📈 Atlanta is predicted to finish second with 9-10 wins, showing optimism for their offense with Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson, despite defensive concerns.
• 🏈 The Carolina Panthers are projected for third place with 6-8 wins, with optimism for their offense but significant defensive overhaul needed.
• 📉 The New Orleans Saints are predicted to finish last with a 4-13 record, facing quarterback uncertainty and defensive weaknesses.

Will Gholston's Transition to Coaching

• 👨‍🏫 Former Buccaneer Will Gholston is now a defensive coach for Sickles High School, finding coaching to be an interesting and new experience.
• 🧠 Gholston emphasizes that football is a 70% mental game, focusing on confidence and understanding the scheme to develop players.
• 💪 He believes in developing players at any level and is using his high school coaching role to hone his skills before potentially moving to college or the NFL.

NFL Player Longevity and Mindset

• ⏳ Gholston, who played 12 years for the Buccaneers, highlights the importance of making plays count rather than just counting plays for career longevity.
• 🧠 He advises players to have a short memory, forget mistakes instantly, and focus on the present rep.
• 🚀 The grind of NFL football, the constant scrutiny, and the need for continuous growth are missed aspects of the game.

Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers' Locker Room Culture

• 👍 Gholston describes Baker Mayfield as a natural leader who was easily accepted into the Buccaneers' fold due to his authentic personality and ability to back up his words.
• 🤝 Mayfield's leadership style, leading by example, makes him an easy player to follow.
• 🌟 The addition of veteran players like Tom Brady and the overall standard they set pushed players like Gholston and his teammates to new heights, fostering longevity.

Will Gholston's Favorite Buccaneers

• 💨 Gholston is excited about the young talent on the Buccaneers' defense, specifically mentioning Kalijah Cancy, Yaya Diaby, and Logan Hall for potential breakout seasons.
• ⚡ He also praises the addition of Hassan Re-Vic as a veteran edge rusher who can mentor younger players.
• 🏃‍♂️ On offense, he highlights Bucky Irving Jr. as a home-run threat with breakaway speed and the ability to run through contact.

Cigar Lounge and Recommendations

• 💨 Will Gholston owns Elena Cigar Lounge in the Tampa area, describing it as a lounge-like atmosphere where he spends a lot of time.
• 🚬 His current favorite cigar is a Toro Fuente short story, recommending lighting it with a match to avoid chemical tastes.
• 🧐 He prefers a V-cut for a controlled draw and has developed a passion for cigars over the last two to three years.