The former LSU standout terrorized the Jets' backfield in his preseason debut, utilizing dominant handwork to secure two sacks and bolster his case for a roster spot.
The bright lights did not scare Jack Pyburn in his debut in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Friday.
Pyburn, who went undrafted several months ago, recorded two sacks. He had half of the team's sacks; the others came from cornerback Damarion Williams and defensive end Elijah Roberts.
Coach Todd Bowles praised him after an impressive debut, saying he did a "heck of a job."
"He's a solid player," Bowles told reporters on Saturday morning. "He doesn't get much run with all the other guys playing... You don't hear about him much, but he got a chance to play last night, and he showed everybody who he was."
The 6-foot-4 outside linebacker dominated his matchup against left tackle Courtland Ford. Pyburn used his hands to break through Ford's protection, rushing toward rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik and wrapping him up for his first sack.
A demonstrative celebration followed his first career sack, forcing a 4th-and-10 in the third quarter.
His second sack came at the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter against second-year quarterback Brady Cook. Matched up against Ford in a 2nd-and-5, Pyburn beat him once more and wrapped Cook's ankle for an eight-yard loss.
He's off to a solid start, making a case for a spot on Tampa Bay's 53-man roster. It does come against other backups and third-stringers in one preseason game, but undrafted rookies must stand out against any competition faced.
Bowles is expected to play his starters in next week's preseason home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Pyburn could still see playing time next week, but he'll miss out on crucial first-quarter reps.
The undrafted rookie played his last season of college football at LSU. He recorded 51 tackles (15 solo), a career-high two sacks and two pass deflections. The former Tiger received an invitation to play in the 2026 Senior Bowl for his performance.
Before LSU, Pyburn spent three seasons in his home state playing for the Florida Gators. The former three-star recruit saw action in special teams for eight games. A torn ACL cut his sophomore season short to nine games.
Pyburn had a bounce-back junior season coming back from injury. He recorded a career-high 60 tackles (20 solo), one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble.
The Buccaneers may have found hidden gems in their undrafted rookies. Cornerback Ayden Garnes recorded a pick-six, quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 10-for-15 passes with one rushing touchdown and Pyburn had two sacks.
Yaya Diaby, Al'Quadin Muhammad and rookie Rueben Bain Jr. headline the outside linebacker unit. It is an uphill battle for Pyburn, but he went through the same path from Florida to LSU.
