Talib: 'It's a dream come true'

Aqib Talib was introduced Monday as the Bucs first round pick. If first impressions count for anything, he's an easy guy to like.

Aside from his obvious size and speed, Talib brings energy to the room.

The Kansas cornerback was asked about the origin of his name, a discussion that produced a zinger from Jon Gruden.

"It's a Muslim name," Talib said. "I know my first name means, 'the last to come.' I'm the youngest of four kids so my first name means the last to come. My last name means ... I don't know."

"His name means 'good corner,' I hope," Gruden deadpanned.

The first thing you notice about Talib is his size. He's 6-foot-1, 206 pounds with long arms and big hands. And check out the link on our website to a video of his touchdown against Tulsa, when he somersaults more than 5-yards into the end zone.

Talib arrived in Tampa Sunday night after a long delay at the DFW airport. When Aqib was an eighth-grader, his older brother pushed for a move to Texas from New Jersey to help with their respective football careers.

We'll obviously write a lot more about Talib in tomorrow's edition, including how he has learned to deal with testing positive for marijuana three times at Kansas. Talib has dealt with the issue head on and appears to have put all that behind him.

"It's just wonderful," Talib said. "It's a dream come true for me. It's an honor to be able to start my NFL career with this team, with this defense, to have a chance to be around Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks and guys like that. It's an honor for me. I'm excited to be a Buccaneer."

"It's been all smiles for me. I'm excited. I don't need no sleep, I don't need nothing. It's a dream come true. I don't want to wake up."

[Photo by Carrie Pratt, Times]

Comments

[The Grader]

"By the way Johnny and any other dummy who leaves thoughtless comments, your idiots. It would not let me post what i really thought."

actually Einstein, you should have said:
YOU'RE idiots

you get a D for the day

THE ENGLISH LESSONS ARE FREE ON TUESDAYS

[GFrantz]

That's it? That is your come back? Wow you really are lame.

[The Grader]

some village is obviously short an idiot today --- go back home

but you're right ... how could I miss the following errors from G-Frantz, mental midget???

"Talib is far better against the run then Mike Jenkins and his tackling skills are sick."
it's THAN ... not "then"

"It all starts with Talib and Gaines now, are defense will get younger and better."
it should be OUR defense ...not "are"

your grade = F
attitude = Unacceptable

[Adam]

I stayed away from drugs my whole life. No pot, no nothing. I don't understand what's so hard about it? Anyone who tried drugs is a weak-minded person who doesn't have the guts and the fortitude to take on life using pure oxygen.

[GFrantz]

Oooooohhhhh mental midget, you got me there. Is that all you have, spelling issues? So i made some grammer mistakes sorry for being HUMAN. Anyway why so angry? Are you that 40yr old that is still livig with his mom in her basement. On the comp all day acting like you are tuff behind your KB? Or are you that 16yr old who just likes to talk smack all day on these websites? And that is how you feel good about yourself.

[GFrantz]

Adam, Sorry Talib is not perfect like you. Just because you try drugs doesn't mean you are weak minded. So because in my past when i was his age when i tried weed, i was weak minded? Haha i don't think so. Some people are built differently than others in this not so perfect world. So if someone wants to try weed while they are in college then go ahead. I just hope he understands that this isn't college and that this is the real world, which by his interview i think he does.

[GFrantz]

I'm not a smart man Jenny, but I know what weed does.

[The Grader]

If you’re trying to insult or come off witty, start by making a statement, not asking a question. Anyway why so angry? Are you that 40yr old that is still livig with his mom in her basement. No, say it with more conviction. Get out of your moms house, by the way living has an N in it not livig,and there should be a question mark after basement.

your grade = F
attitude = Unacceptable

[GFrantz]

Sorry if i am at work and don't have all day to check my spelling like you! Anyway i'm out!!!!

[The Grader]

The I in i'm out!!!! Should be capitalized

you get a D for the day

THE ENGLISH LESSONS ARE FREE ON TUESDAYS

[Joe Nigro]

I am a Bucs fan and a huge follower of College Football. A great talant was missed in the draft. He is a receiver from Nebraska named Murice Purify. If anyone know anyone in the Bucs organisation please tell them to sign this free agent and take a look. They will be shocked that he was missed.

[Jose de Mierda]

thanks Joe ... I get right on that for you amigo