"Life is not bad for Kellen Winslow.

It is so not bad.

The Bucs don't mind the tight end spending most of the offseason working out in San Diego, skipping several training camp practices and being handled like a family heirloom in the preseason.

"There is no doubt about it. He is definitely treated differently than a lot of other players," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said.

King James wasn't the only one eager to abdicate the throne in Cleveland for palm trees and sunshine. But the decision for Winslow was made for him in February 2009 when the Bucs dealt two draft picks to the Browns and made him one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.

Winslow, 27, responded last season by leading the Bucs in receptions (77), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (five).

Also, knee surgeries (six).

After a minor procedure in the spring on his right knee, which was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in 2005, the Bucs' goal this offseason was to get their biggest offensive weapon to the starting line.

The fact that the season opener Sunday comes against Winslow's former team is like throwing Delmonico steaks to Dobermans.

"I'm sure he has some fuel. I'm sure he has something hidden away," Morris said. "He has some articles stowed away somewhere or something that was said negative about this young man. But that's what gets him going.

"That's who Kellen is. He goes out. He prepares. He practices. He plays. He loves the game. He'll use anything for motivation. He gets motivated to practice against my defense every day because he loves and enjoys playing the game."

Of course, Winslow has learned to contain his flame.

Despite the broken right leg in Week 2 of his rookie season, the crash that left him with a lacerated liver, bruised kidney and torn ACL and being hospitalized with the staph infection the Browns asked him not to discuss, Winslow said Wednesday he's treating it like another game."