In just his third professional season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has been named a captain for the second consecutive year, as the players chose their team captains Wednesday afternoon. Joining Freeman are; Jeff Faine, Ronde Barber, Quincy Black, and Adam Hayward on special teams, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.
For Quincy Black, this is a first time honor, as he steps into the shoes of departed MLB Barrett Ruud. Although he plays a different position from Ruud, Black will assume Ruud's old task of wearing the headset in his helmet on game-day and quarterbacking the defense.
Faine, the anchor of a young and improving offensive line, received the honor for the fourth time.
Hayward, a backup linebacker on defense, has made a name for himself in recent years by making splash plays on special teams.
And then there's Ironman Ronde Barber, receiving the honor for a fourth season. Barber, a long-time Buccaneer veteran, will take over as the league leader in consecutive games started when Peyton Manning misses his first game as a pro on Sunday against the Texans. Barber has started 183 consecutive games, all with the Bucs. Manning's streak will end at 208.