McCardell returns to Bucs to get a coach's view

Keenan McCardell, who caught two touchdown passes for the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl before leaving the organization on bitter terms, enjoyed a pleasant morning at Tampa Bay's facility mingling with players and coaches during Tuesday's mandatory mini-camp.

McCardell, 39, was invited by first-year head coach Raheem Morris. The Houston native saw his 17-year NFL career as a wide receiver end last season and he's pondering a career in coaching.

"Rah (Morris) invited me out here and I was open to it,'' said McCardell, who played for six teams after he was selected by Washington in the 12th round of the 1991 draft. "He said come on out and see if you like it. I'm enjoying it. There have been big changes here in Tampa and I see a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of young blood here. Raheem's message is everyone has to be accountable. It's not going to be easy, but if everybody gets on the same page, you can make it easy.''

Seeking a new contract, McCardell held out in 2004 and was eventually traded to the San Diego Chargers.

"This organization brought me a Super Bowl, so how can I be mad at it?'' he said. "Business is business and you move on. You can't be bitter about that. They made a business decision and I made one. I always rooted for these guys when I was away. I'm very proud. I see my picture down the hall here. You leave on bad terms, but you're still in the building.''

Tuesday marked McCardell's first full look at Tampa Bay's 3-year-old facility.

"This is the first time I've seen it on the inside and it's great,'' he said. "The Glazers put every penny they had in here and it's state of the art, probably the best I've been around. It's a different regime in here, a new life, an energetic life. Raheem's a great coach and he's only going to get better.''

McCardell still talks to Derrick Brooks and he's convinced Tampa Bay's former captain will return to the NFL in a big way.

"Derrick asked me how I dealt with it (not playing),'' McCardell said. "You still have the juices. He's a hired gun now. He's a hired gun to win a Super Bowl. I told Derrick that when he comes into the locker room, it's his job to lead them to the promised land and he understands that. I told him wherever you go, show those guys how to get to the promised land. You love to take reps, be out here with the guys and show them how to be a pro. That's what you miss. But once he gets in that locker room, all that waiting will go out the window. It's just a waiting game. It's hard, but it's going to happen for Derrick.''