New Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow has had time to do little other than unpack his bags in Seattle, but he says that after meeting briefly with head coach Pete Carroll, he knows he’s on the right team.
“It’s been great,” Winslow said on ESPN’s NFL 32. “It’s a perfect fit. Coach Carroll is upbeat, he’s energetic, so it’s going to be perfect. I’m looking forward to working with the whole team, Matt Flynn, Zach Miller, just being a piece of the puzzle.”
So why was Tampa Bay the wrong fit? Winslow said he sensed that new Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano didn’t think highly of him, and didn’t appreciate the fact that Winslow likes to work out on his own during the offseason rather than attend Organized Team Activities.
“I don’t want to say anything bad about coach Schiano,” Winslow said. “It just wasn’t a good fit, I guess. When a new regime comes in sometimes that’s what happens. That’s just what it is. Sometimes they want their guys that they think will fit the team and that’s what happens. And you know what? It worked out, for both sides. . . . I guess they didn’t feel comfortable with me not being there, but it worked out for the best for both sides.”
Carroll has already given Winslow the usual speech about the importance of competition, and Winslow bought what Carroll is selling.
“I can be myself out here — it’s going to be fun,” Winslow said. “I’m totally excited. Everybody’s real nice here and I’m excited to play for the 12th Man.”