Since leaving the Florida Gators and getting drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Trask has gotten really good at holding a clipboard. After backing up Tom Brady, Trask was seemingly the heir apparent to the throne in Tampa. But after Brady retired, the Bucs opted to go out and get Baker Mayfield, relegating Trask to the bench.
Trask opted to resign with Tampa to be QB2 in 2025. But on Saturday night, he reminded everyone he's still talented at football and has the capability to step up if needed.
Kyle Trask has a great night for Tampa Bay
Anyone who has followed the Bucs over the years knows that every time Trask has gotten a chance during preseason, the wide receivers seemingly go on strike and all of a sudden become incapable of catching passes that hit them in the hands.
But with Mayfield nursing a minor injury, Trask got the start for Tampa's first preseason game and looked outstanding.
He fit throws into tight windows and didn't seem fazed when he had pressure in his face. The end result was 12/16 passing for 129 yards and a QB rating of 98.2 in one half of work.
Kyle Trask finds Jalen McMillan for a big gain on the first play!
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
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There is no question in Tampa as to who will be QB1 as long as Mayfield stays healthy, but the story of Trask is one of being ready for opportunity.
Trask didn't even start in high school, and came to Florida as an afterthought as a Jim McEwlain recruit. But when Feleipe Franks was knocked out for the year early in the 2019 season, Trask stepped up and looked even better than Franks.
He then almost led Florida to a magical 2020 season, but then a thrown shoe ruined those dreams.
Trask was then drafted in the 2nd round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 draft and is still waiting to break out in the NFL like he did in college.