Bucs Gameday

Buccaneers Defensive Back Self Proclaims Defensive Rookie Of The Year

Undrafted free agent Christian Izien has gotten off to a quick start to his NFL career.

Kade Kimble

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Christian Izien has gotten off to a solid start to his NFL career. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a team looking to get younger, which they did. The defense remained solid, however. 

The rookie safety amassed three total tackles in each of his first two games, but what is impressive is his two interceptions in two games. The undrafted free agent has been more than solid to jumpstart his career. 

“I wouldn’t say I am established,” Izien said about his career start. “I would say I’m just doing the right things on the field.”

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Izien also credited his surrounding teammates and talent around him for his ability to play so well so early in his career.

In a quote tweet stating just how good the start to his undrafted career was, Izien used the hashtag "DROY," standing for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old has big aspirations, which makes sense for a player who has already seemingly beat the odds by making the final roster, let alone playing a big role in the two unlikely wins.

Izien's dazzling play in Week 2 led to him being nominated for Rookie of the Week alongside other young stars in CJ Stroud, Bijan Robinson, and a few others. This level of respect early is well deserved and earned.

It'll be interesting to see if Izien can continue on this trajectory as the season continues because the defense will be vital for the Buccaneers to continue on the path they've laid down for themselves.

Not only will the defense be key, but Izien embodies what this team is. After being written off following Tom Brady's retirement, they're off to a 2-0 start. This goes right along with Izien making such an electrifying impact as an undrafted free agent. 

Izien will continue and be a playmaker for this squad as they look to continue getting younger and establishing a new era.

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Kade Kimble
KADE KIMBLE

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's FanNation in 2022.