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Winston: Bucs’ Ryan Jensen ‘one of the toughest, meanest, baddest centers’

New free-agent center brings big red hair and nastiness to Bucs' offensive line.
 
New Bucs center Ryan Jensen (66) is making a strong impression on his new teammates.
(MONICA HERNDON | Times)
New Bucs center Ryan Jensen (66) is making a strong impression on his new teammates. (MONICA HERNDON | Times)
Published May 23, 2018

It's hard to miss new Bucs center Ryan Jensen at OTA workouts this week, with his long red hair visible from across the field even when he's wearing a helmet.

"Any recommendations for anti frizz shampoo and conditioner?" Jensen wrote on Twitter with a photo posted by the team.

He'll adjust to the humidity in time. The Bucs made Jensen the highest-paid center in the NFL in March, and he has a reputation beyond his four-year, $42 million deal.

"I'm excited to have one of the toughest, meanest, baddest centers out there," quarterback Jameis Winston said. "He's definitely a joy of a teammate and we will receive him. Anybody coming in here with a positive attitude to make us better, that's what Ryan is doing … just by his presence and his mentality."

If that brings a physicality and nastiness to the rest of the offensive line, Winston is happy to see that take place from the anchor of his line.

"My offensive linemen all have my back. That's the mentality that Coach (George) Warhop has created in that room," Winston said. "Having a guy like Ryan, that's just him, his toughness, his grit. Having a guy like that as your center, your main horse leading the pack, is helpful. We had guys like Logan Mankins, who was a hoss, and Gosder Cherilus, a vet guy. Having Jensen in there adds a lot to the offensive line."