Many Bucs fans by now have made the connection that DT Vita Vea is not only a 346lb tree with freakish-athletic-ability, but is strikingly similar to Maui from Disney’s animated film Moana as played by the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Count Gerald McCoy in with that lot as Vea is synonymous with Maui to him.
The Washington product’s family history comes from the Pacific island of Tonga. Which naturally gives him the build and big hair like the Disney character. The way McCoy sees it, Vea having Maui “duties” for the kids around One Buc Place is a no brainer.
McCoy explains, “Vita’s mandatory rookie duties, you can mark it: I told him he has to tell my children that he is Maui, from Moana,” McCoy said. “The only rookie duty I’m going to give him. Ain’t no dinner, and none of it. Make sure when you introduce yourself to my kids, you introduce yourself as Maui. No questions asked. He doesn’t get an option.
“You have to accept your role,” McCoy joked. “You’re a Buccaneer, and you are now Maui. I’m sorry if you don’t like it. Whatever. We have too many kids around here. You’re going to go work parties, go to birthday parties, all that. Everybody has jobs to do outside the building. Everybody has to do things in the community.”
While McCoy is joking and making lighthearted fun of Vea’s rookie duties, one thing is for sure his talent and potential is no joke. McCoy recently noted that his pure size and strength coupled with his raw talent gives him an opportunity to be a special player in this league. It remains to be seen, though what kind of player he will ultimately evolve into. For now, though, as far as McCoy is concerned, Vea is Maui.
