Miles Killebrew recognizes that he is not the player Bucs fans will buy jerseys of.

Killebrew’s job is not glamorous, and the work he puts in does not garner headlines.

Even though the 11-year veteran comes to Tampa Bay for his special teams ability, he wants to provide a spark to the team as a whole.

He recently shared his mindset about that aspect of the game, detailing why there is a bigger picture in helping put both sides of the football in more advantageous positions to win games this season.

Miles Killebrew Sees “Sunny Skies” Joining Danny Smith In Tampa Bay

Ever since Danny Smith was hired to be the Bucs special teams coordinator, one could connect the dots to Miles Killebrew joining the Bucs. It was something I predicted back in late January, sensing that Smith would want to bring in the veteran player to lead the unit.

Having just turned 33 years old, Killebrew checks all the leadership boxes and wants to bring his level of play to Tampa Bay.

Seeing his coach of five seasons leave Pittsburgh proved to be the deciding factor in coming aboard.

Bucs ST coordinator Danny Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I would say a giant factor,” Killebrew said during mandatory mini-camp. “He was my coach for a number of years in Pittsburgh. We have a pretty strong relationship. I know what he expects out there on the field. When he made the move down here, I saw my forecast — sunny skies. I’ll say that; I’m excited to be here. I’m super pumped to get out on the field, obviously I’m on a limited capacity right now which sucks, I hate it. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Killebrew alluded to the torn ACL that he suffered in Week 6 of last season. Given that the injury occurred in mid-October, that puts him on track to be ready to go in just over a month.

“That’s the goal,” Killebrew added. “The timeline to get rolling is training camp.”

When he does finally get on the field, the two-time Pro Bowler recognizes how vital the special teams unit is to foster a winning team. Even though it is not obvious, there are yards to be gained, which can decide the outcome of close games and turn the tide in the Bucs’ favor.

Bucs S/ST ace Miles Killebrew – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Doug Engle

“I’m a little biased — I love [special] teams, always have,” Killebrew said. “I know how important it is, Danny talks all the time about the hidden yardage out there on the field. So, if we can get the ball and get the drive started in a favorable position for Baker, I know he’s going to love it. I know if the defense has to pin an offense down in their own territory, they’re going to love it. It’s a team win when your special teams is competing at a high level.”

Miles Killebrew Knows His Role As Bucs Special Teams Leader

Miles Killebrew, although listed as a safety, understands why the Bucs signed him in free agency.

Killebrew is not coming in to save the defense — he will be leading the charge to drastically improve Tampa Bay’s special teams. Speaking to his potential impact, he leads all active players with four blocked punts, and since entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2016, Killebrew has 86 tackles on special teams, which is the fifth-most in that span.

Bucs S/ST ace Miles Killebrew – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Mark Konezny

“I know how my bread is buttered,” Killebrew said. “I’m not here to be the franchise quarterback, I’m here to play special teams, no doubt. I know the language that they speak; I can reiterate it. Danny is really big on multiple voices, same message. I know what he’s looking for, so it is helping. There’s a number of very capable, very smart players on this team, which I’m really excited to play alongside. You’re very familiar with Ko Kieft [and Rashad] Wisdom, I can go down the line.”

How Danny Smith goes about building out the special teams will be an interesting part of the team’s 53-man roster construction. Training camp and the preseason will be the time to shine for many of the players, but lock in Killebrew for being the anchor. It is something that has allowed him to earn his keep, going all the way back to high school.

Do not tell him it is the most boring part of the game, he will hear none of that.

“I got a scholarship to Southern Utah University because of my kickoff film from high school,” Killebrew said. “It goes way back; I take it very seriously. In my opinion, I think it’s the purest form of the game, I think punt is the best play in the game — personally. I’m going to get a lot of laughs; I know that’s when a lot of people go to the bathroom during the transitional periods.

“I think it’s critical… I know that games can be won or lost on the back of special teams. I want to do everything that I can in my power to benefit this awesome organization and get some wins.”

That is the kind of mentality that is needed throughout the Bucs roster, and especially on a special teams unit that struggled last season. After giving up on kickoff coverage and struggling to put the defense in favorable positions, there has been a culture shock. Danny Smith will be counting on Miles Killebrew more than anyone else to bring his vision to life in 2026.