No Faine, No Gain! - Buccaneers Sign Pro Bowl Caliber Center Jeff Faine

Sure, we could sit here and come up with corny ways to tell you the Bucs signed former New Orleans Saints Center Jeff Faine, but we figure it's not for the Faine of hearts.

In an attempt to solidify what has quickly become one of the most exciting spots on the Buccaneers roster, the 26 year old Faine is expected to help fortify an offensive line that has already made strides despite it's youth and inexperience. His 6 year 37.5 million dollar contract makes him the leagues highest paid player at that position.

A former Pro Bowler, Faine started his career with the Cleveland Browns who took the 623 290 pound beast in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of Notre Dame. He had been regarded to many as the "Perfect Size" of the "Hybrid Center" and was expected to be a sure-fire selection to replace Tom Nalen in Denver. Instead, he became the most hard hard nosed lead lineman we've come to love in the NFL.

Traded on Draft Day in 2006 to the New Orleans Saints, he spent two seasons blocking for one of the leagues most efficient passing games as well as one of the most dynamic rushing duos in Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. He started all 66 games he played in for both teams during his tenures.

In 1999, Faine graduated Seminole high school, just 25 miles from Raymond James Stadium.

"I'm really excited to be part of the Buccaneers franchise and have the opportunity to work with Coach Gruden and my new teammates," said Faine in a press release by the team. "I'm especially looking forward to working in this offense and helping Tampa Bay defend the NFC South title."

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