Sports
Tez Johnson, Yaya Diaby, and Graham Barton Shine in Buccaneers’ First Week of Camp
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped another high-energy day of training camp Sunday with clear signs of player growth, team chemistry, and emerging competition across the roster. Florida National News brings you inside coverage and reactions from Head Coach Todd Bowles, center Graham Barton, and wide receiver Tez Johnson.
Injury Updates & Roster Moves
Head Coach Todd Bowles addressed the media with key injury updates following Sunday’s session:
OLB David Walker remains out with lingering soreness; further tests are ongoing.
QB Michael Pratt is sidelined with a lower back issue and is listed as week-to-week.
The Buccaneers may consider bringing in another quarterback during camp if depth becomes a concern.
Bowles also confirmed the team is evaluating several free-agent tackles, noting that two offensive linemen have already been signed. Additional signings remain possible depending on fit and performance.
Coach Bowles on Team’s Early Progress
Coach Bowles expressed satisfaction with how players are adjusting and preparing during the early stages of camp:
“I like the work ethic they’re putting in. The mental part of it is great,” Bowles said. “Tomorrow we get into pads, and that’s when it becomes football, football.”
The defensive backs made an impression Sunday, with Jacob Parrish recording an interception during full-team reps.
Bowles also highlighted Yaya Diaby’s impressive explosiveness and improved technique, praising his development after last year’s breakout.
Defensive Depth Heating Up
The Bucs’ defensive depth continues to solidify as several young players rise to the occasion:
CBs Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish are pushing veterans Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum.
LB Deion Jones, now fully healthy, is regaining his rhythm and contributing as a vocal leader with versatility at linebacker.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Bowles said, emphasizing a camp culture driven by high-level competition.
Offense Building Chemistry with Mayfield & Grizzard
On the offensive side, rookie center Graham Barton shared that the offense is “taking a huge step forward,” especially with new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard bringing energy and structure.
“Grizz brings a ton of energy, and we feed off that,” Barton said. “Baker [Mayfield] has been great at taking charge in the huddle. We’re all ready to play hard for them.”
Rookie Spotlight: WR Tez Johnson
Wide receiver Tez Johnson continues to turn heads at training camp. Learning behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Johnson is making strides in route-running and special teams, including punt return duties.
“Mike and CG are taking me under their wing. Every day I learn something new,” said Johnson. “Baker is electric out there—his energy is contagious.”
Johnson also praised the depth of the receiver room and expressed confidence that the group will be hard to defend this season.
Next Steps for the Bucs
With padded practices beginning Monday, Bowles and his staff expect intensity and physicality to rise. As camp rolls on, the Buccaneers will continue evaluating positional depth and refining schemes ahead of preseason action.
Follow Florida National News for More Bucs Coverage
Stay with Florida National News for more exclusive updates from Bucs training camp, player interviews, and preseason analysis.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
