NEW YORK — Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, the fifth Bucs player to receive that honor over the years. He says it was a complete surprise.
"It’s not something that I was looking forward to. I didn’t put in on my goals or anything like that, I just went out there and played football, and then it came to me," Kancey said after Thursday's practice. "It let me know that what I am out there doing is definitely right. I’m making an impact, and people are taking notice."
Kancey, a rookie out of the University of Pittsburgh, had 10 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks for the Bucs in November. This season, he's tied for most tackles for loss among rookies, and he tied for the most overall in the NFL in November.
"I just think going out there, executing the game plan, using my skill set, just [being] hungry to make plays, and eager to help this team out," Kancey added. "Just being consistent. I think that’s what keeps you going in this league, is being able to stack games on top of games."
The Bucs lineman is the first University of Pittsburgh player to ever win rookie of the month in the NFL. He's also the first non-cornerback to win the honor this season.
Linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White, along with defensive end Noah Spence and safety Antoine Winfield, have also won rookie of the month honors in the past. Kancey is the only defensive lineman in franchise history to claim the honor.
Tampa Bay (4-7) hosts the Carolina Panthers (1-10) Sunday at 4:05 P.M. The Bucs have won five of the last six meetings.
