Football Alum Weber Returns to Metrodome with Bucs

Nov 27, 2010; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers quarterback Adam Weber (right) celebrates the win over the Iowa Hawkeyes as fans lift him up after his last game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers win 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Adam Weber will come back to his home state this evening representing 10,917 yards and 72 career touchdowns. Both are records in the University of Minnesota record books as the team’s all-time leading passer.

When he walks onto Mall of America Field at the Metrodome tonight, he will not be representing the Golden Gophers, but rather the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their third-string quarterback.

Since Weber left the U of M, quarterback play has been well… questionable. He turned over the program to Jerry Kill in 2011 and the starting QB job to MarQueis Gray. That season the Gophers went 3-9 overall, but ended the season winning the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy for the 2nd-straight year.

Weber ended his Minnesota career the season before by beating Iowa 27-24 at TCF Bank Stadium for that bronze pig.

Gray put up 1,495 yards in 2011, the third lowest single-season total since 1990 for the top passer at Minnesota. Not much can be blamed on Gray as he was juggled around from quarterback to wide receiver to quarterback to oddly enough, wide receiver again.

Weber’s exit from the program after graduation also came with the exit of the Tim Brewster regime. A coaching staff that brought with it the spread offense and an opening for Weber. He beat out Tony Mortensen for the starting quarterback job his first year and put up an impressive 2,895 yards during his freshmen campaign.

He also battled through the use of three different offensive coordinators during his time with the U of M. Each of them bringing something new to the table. His ability to adapt and take the punishment of some pretty bad losses over those years, including the 55-0 loss to Iowa at Metrodome in 2008, showed a determination to win and a commitment to the program.

The Shoreview, Minn. native should be applauded by Minnesota fans at MOA Field tonight, even if they don’t know he is in the building. A building that for two years, he was in control of, leading the Golden Gophers to a handful of victories in a dark era of the program’s recent times.

It is always nice to see Minnesota alumni on the professional stage. Even if it is waiting in wings, holding a clipboard.

Welcome home Adam.