He may be listed at just 5-10, 198 pounds, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead plays football like he never knew that fact.
What he may lack in size, Pitt’s former fourth-round draft pick more than makes up for in his hard-hitting style of play, unwavering energy and instincts that make him a high-roller magnet.
Whitehead is coming off an impressive performance in the Bucs’ 31-15 playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles, in which he was flying all over the court making plays at every level.
“Well, he’s a hitter,” head coach Bruce Arians said of Whitehead. “He’s a hitter and he’s a guy who’s always ready. He’s really, really improved his pass defense over the last year and a half. It’s a strength because he’s one of those guys that he’s going to bring. He’s going to cause turnovers, and you love having him on your team.
His teammates know that Whitehead is a big reason for the Bucs’ success on defense and he’s taken his game to another level this year.
“An incredible year – he’s our leader there,” fellow safety Antoine Winfield Jr. said of his teammate. “He always brings energy, always does his job and he just makes plays.”
Tampa Bay will have their hands full on Sunday with a talented Los Angeles Rams offense in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, so they’ll need Whitehead and the rest of the defense to deliver another standout performance this week.
If they rise to the occasion and pull off a big win, don’t be surprised if Whitehead is a big reason they end up in the NFC title game.
