Bud Dupree Injecting Charisma Into Chargers OLB Group
The Los Angeles Chargers already had an elite outside linebacker group, but veteran Bud Dupree has tied it all together.
There aren’t any major doubts over the ability of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. However, they aren’t the most boisterous trio.
Bud Dupree, meanwhile, has ‘probably been a class clown all my life’. As well as adding quality and experience, Dupree brings a vocality that can help a group ascend new heights.
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Bud Dupree spent his first six NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2023, the 31-year-old proved he’s still a starting-caliber player with the Atlanta Falcons. He posted 6.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 8 quarterback hits.
Over his entire career, Dupree has 305 tackles, 53 sacks and 70 tackles for loss in 199 games. The season hasn’t begun yet, but his teammates have already noticed his impact.
“Not only him as a player, but as a personality,” said Nick Bosa. “He is a funny guy. And to have that in the room, another vet is always a great addition, but I’m just excited to have him and Tuli, and to be able to rotate like that and not drop off at all when we come off the field is huge.”
“It’s refreshing. Just having me and Joey, it can get a little boring,” Mack said. “But Bud brings the personality, he brings the excitement, kind of cheers the guys on throughout the practice and kind of keeps the juices flowing in the room and keeps it light. He is a funny dude as well, so it’s cool having Bud in there.”
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“They are great players, they’re just chill,” Dupree said. “Joey goes out there and gets a sack and just walks off. Khalil goes out there, gets a sack — I’m talking about doing a great move — and walks off. I do a great move, get a sack, I’m going to yell at people, I’m going to walk around talking sh-t. So I just like to be the person that hype it up a little bit.”
