Against the Chicago Bears, Leonard Fournette wants to continue his run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The running back is currently experiencing his athletic resurgence.

Munich – It was just over a year ago that Leonard Fournette’s career seemed to be at an end. After three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had selected him fourth overall and as the first running back in the NFL draft in 2017, he was released.

It was the end of a time that had actually started brilliantly. In his rookie season, for example, he managed more than 1,000 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, in addition to more than 300 receiving yards. He even set a new franchise record with a 90-yard touchdown run in week five against the Steelers.

After that, things kept going downhill. Injuries overshadowed the 2018 season, with a suspension after fisticuffs in the game against the Buffalo Bills being the negative culmination.

Leonard Fournette only second running back

There seemed to be little left of the once-celebrated running back who was considered a co-favourite for the Heisman Trophy in college. Then, however, his career experienced a decisive turnaround.

In September 2020, Fournette was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Jaguars released him shortly before. He was originally supposed to be the Bucs’ second running back behind Ronald Jones II, but things turned out differently.

Jones had to pass at the end of the regular season due to a positive coronation test, and Fournette was given the starter’s role just in time for the start of the playoffs.

And with great success. He put 448 yards of space and four touchdowns on the scoreboard in the postseason, even celebrating in the end zone in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.

Performances that earned him the nickname “Playoff Lenny. “

Nickname “Playoff Lenny “

“Playoff Lenny”, now a Super Bowl winner and signed to another one-year contract with the Buccaneers, wants to become “Every Week Lenny” this season.

An endeavour that he is excellently succeeding in at the moment.

While the Bucs’ running game was almost non-existent in the first three weeks, it has been on a steep upward trend since the fourth day of play. In the past three games, he has recorded 376 yards (240 rushing, 136 receiving) and three touchdowns. Fournette now has a total of 545 yards and is well on the way to breaking his personal record.

The 26-year-old is a source of excitement for his head coach anyway. “He gives us great flexibility in terms of the running and passing game, and our play action should also be better when we can run the ball so well,” enthuses Bruce Arians. “After getting his chance last year, he’s not going to give it up. “

Arians praises Fournette

And that translates into numbers, too. Fournette was on the field for 46 offensive snaps, while Ronald Jones (13) and Giovani Bernard (twelve) were used much more moderately.

The fact that the running back has now become an important part of the Buccaneers makes him very happy, especially after his time in Jacksonville. “After being released, I can now contribute to this organisation and this team winning. Plus, my coaches and teammates trust me. They know I can get the job done at the end of the day,” he explained in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times.

“When you have three things, the support of your teammates, the support of your family and the support of my hometown of New Orleans, there are no limits for me,” Fournette said.

Contract expires in 2022

The only limit to the future of the 26-year-old athlete is his contract, which runs until 2022, but he can still hope for a longer contract with quarterback Tom Brady’s team based on his performance.

“This organisation is different. They care about their guys, they understand their players too. And when you get that kind of love back, you’ll bust your butt for anyone who does that for you,” Fournette said.

Best conditions, then, to turn “Playoff Lenny” and “Every Week Lenny” into a new nickname: “Long-term Lenny”.