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For Clayton, A Familiar Script

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 28, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Yes, this story sounds very familiar.

It is the annual "Michael Clayton Expects To Have A Breakthrough Season" piece. It's a script Bucs fans have memorized.

Clayton had an outstanding rookie season in 2004 before rapidly falling off the NFL map. The reason for his decline has been blamed on injuries, mental blocks, Bucs coach Jon Gruden, lack of talent and nearly every other possible excuse.

As Clayton embarks on his fifth training camp, he has new incentive for his play to resemble that storybook 2004 season.

His spot on this year's team is questionable. Clayton's NFL future hangs in the balance. The former standout receiver knows he must either perform this season or find employment with another team.

"There have been a lot of excuses made and a lot of reasons why I haven't done the same things I've done my rookie year. Basically, it's time," Clayton said. "This is my contract year and I want to go out with a bang."

Clayton is slated to receive $980,000 this season, but can earn $2.5 million if he meets certain incentives. He has one year remaining on his deal, but 2009 is a voidable year, and Clayton expects to test the free-agent market.

Over four seasons, Clayton has earned $2,030,000 combined (base salary does not include his $2 million rookie signing bonus). He has 167 career receptions and eight touchdowns; breaking that down by base salary, it means he earned $253,750 for each TD and $12,155.69 for every reception.

Although the possibility of a new contract is definitely reason to believe Clayton could have a breakthrough season, money aside, the main goal is to prove his rookie year was not a fluke and once again contribute to Tampa Bay.

"Knowing I did everything possible to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win a Super Bowl ... I'm happy with that," Clayton said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm putting it on God's hands to take care of it. Let Him take care of it and continue to work hard."

Tampa Bay's offense definitely could use his rookie numbers, when he caught 80 passes for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bucs receiver Ike Hilliard led Tampa Bay in receptions with 62 for 722 yards and one touchdown, while Joey Galloway had 57 catches for 1,014 yards and six touchdowns. No other Bucs player had more than 400 yards receiving last season.

"He's been a businessman and I think he's realized that we missed him," Gruden said. "I think he also realizes there are some great opportunities ahead in this organization."

Clayton appears ready to take advantage of his last opportunity.

He started an extreme workout program in July to prepare for training camp, and so far, it appears to be paying off.

After two days in training camp, Clayton has been Tampa Bay's most impressive receiver. He has added muscle, appears faster, plus has caught nearly everything thrown at him.

He also has caught the attention of Tampa Bay's coaches.

"I've always said Mike is a good football player," Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann said. "Hopefully we'll get off to a good start and we'll pick it back up and get onto the right track, and I think he'll pick it back up. He showed signs of really coming on at the end of the season last year and I think he's hungry.

"The better he looks, the more opportunities he'll probably get. It's just the way it works in football. We're just going to keep him sharp and make sure he understands what he has to do and we'll just see what happens in the end."

Clayton does not want his career in Tampa to end with him being remembered as Bucs general manager Bruce Allen's first draft pick, who ended up being a bust. His goals are to redeem his career and reputation.

Yes, this story sounds very familiar.

Clayton just wants to start from the beginning.

"It was a mission of mine this offseason to make sure I stayed on path and make sure I came into training camp trying to get back to the production that I know I can be at to help my team this season," Clayton said. "As a competitor, you want to do whatever you can to help this team. It's my responsibility to get prepared for it season. I feel like I've done a great job. Taking it one step at a time and hopefully get an opportunity to help the team."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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