Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs describes the challenge of facing Vita Vea: 'You can't stop him'

Despite his impressive size, strength, and athleticism, Tristan Wirfs isn't even the most physically imposing player on his own team.

Collin Haalboom | Feb 22, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby celebrates with defensive tackle Vita Vea. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

In this story:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tristan Wirfs is one of the most imposing players in the NFL. His strength doesn't just show up in the weight room, but on the field as well. That said, despite his impressive size, strength, and athleticism, Wirfs isn't even the most physically imposing player on his own team.

In a recent guest appearance on the Pivot, Wirfs discussed just how physically daunting his teammate Vita Vea is to deal with.

When asked whether or not him and his 6'4" 347 pound teammate have ever gone 1-on-1, Wirfs offered the following response, "They got some packages in training camp where they put him out at the end and I tell him, I said 'Vita, don't do this!'"

Wirfs continued, "No gloves. No tape. You see him, he's got like his red visor. I break the huddle, see him out there. You know what it's going to be. It's going to be speed-to-bull. He's going speed-to-bull. It's over. If you set back at all, I'm in Baker's lap. So I see him out there, go jump set him, just stop him before he gets his momentum going. Like, you cannot stop it."

Wirfs went on to detail some of the challenges presented to anyone forced to try and block the mammoth defensive tackle who anchors the heart of the Buccaneers' defense.

"You see the clip of the Titans two years ago where his helmet was to the side?" Wirfs asked. "Lined up at end, and the guy didn't go jump set him. [Vita] just ran right through him. He doesn't slow down. You can't stop him."

.@Buccaneers @VitaVea no OT wants to see this. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/id1XOKnVPb
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 14, 2023

There's no question that Tristan Wirfs and Vita Vea are two of the most physically dominant players in the league at their respective positions. I'm sure fans would pay a pretty penny just to see the two square off in practice if the opportunity were to present itself. However, in the interest of player safety and preserving two of their most impactful players on opposite sides of the ball, I can't imagine the Buccaneers would be willing to entertain such an endeavor.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Top NFL Draft expert links Buccaneers to wide receiver with superstar potential

• Buccaneers NFC South rival agrees to contract extension with veteran backup QB

• ESPN names best fit for Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin in free agency

• Buccaneers' star rookie running back ranked in PFF's top 101 players of 2024

Published Feb 22, 2025

COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.