After watching a few of the Bills practices it’s clear that Tashard Choice, a.k.a. TC, is one of the most vocal players on the field. As a vocal leader throughout his career, Choice knows what it takes to get his teammates amped up and ready to compete at a high level. A prime example of TC’s vocality can be found in the annals of Youtube, giving a pre-game speech in the locker room as a captain at Georgia Tech (24 seconds in to the video):
TC joined the Bills during the 2011 season when the team claimed him off waivers after being released by the Cowboys. At the time, the Bills had a completely different coaching staff and general manager, Tashard’s role on the team may differ with the current general manager and coaches. It doesn’t matter whose keeping tabs on the six year veteran, he’s going to bring it all day and every day for his teammates. “I’m just somebody they know that can work hard, somebody they can look at on the field and see what I’m doing,” Choice told me during the last week of Bills training camp.
At the conclusion of every single training camp practice, the running backs play a game created by Choice which epitomizes his drive and competitive spirit. It’s a simple game. The running backs, including first year running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley, stand in a circle while volleying a football in the air. The first person to let the ball touch the ground loses, and this continues until only one man is left standing. “I made the game up, and I’ve won only one time. I think Fred and C.J. have a little alliance with each other to make sure I lose every time,” Choice said as a guest on the John Murphy Show.
The game has helped make the running backs closer and more competitive as a unit. On the final day of training camp, a WWF belt was purchased so the winner of the game on the final day of practice can proudly show off his prize for the remainder of the season. “I’m gonna go get em’ today because whoever wins today gets a belt. We bought a WWF belt and you get to wear it the whole year so I’m going for the ring this year…” Choice told John Murphy on the last day of training camp.
When asked what his favorite moment so far of training camp has been in a recent interview with Kiss 98.5, TC responded by saying “The rookie night was hilarious…they did a little skit on everybody…they had one dedicated on me and things I say in the locker room, it was hilarious.” While Choice has earned the respect of his teammates by being vocal on the field and in the locker room throughout his career, it’s away from the NFL where Choice may leave his biggest legacy as an NFL player.
A few weeks ago, in accordance with his foundation ‘The Choice Is Yours’ and the Community Action Organization of Erie County Sports P.L.U.S. program, held a fundraising dinner at Templeton Landing, a banquet hall in downtown Buffalo. The goal behind ‘Buffalo’s Kick-Off Dinner’ was to raise money and equipment for Buffalo’s inner city youth who don’t necessarily have the funding to continue playing the sports they love at a high level. He hopes to steer troubled youth away from making bad decisions and providing them with an opportunity to start playing sports competitively.
“I’m just really trying to help the kids and to do things to help them fulfill their dreams and to let them know they have a choice between right and wrong,” Choice told Kiss 98.5. The rest of the running backs in attendance, included pro bowl running back C.J. Spiller, receiver Stevie Johnson and other Buffalo Bills players.
All proceeds will go to the CAO Sports P.L.U.S. program and The Choice Is Yours foundation which was established while Choice was still a member of the Cowboys.
As a man thats known for his tremendous work ethic and dedication to leadership, not everything has to be taken seriously in his eyes. “When we’re in the locker room we have a lot of fun…It’s a long training camp so you got to have some kind of fun while you’re out here,” Choice said. There can be some question marks regarding the amount and types of reps TC will receive this season playing behind Spiller and Jackson. If someone questions how hard he will work on and off the field this season, I have the answer; as hard as humanly possible.
