"Raheem Morris is searching for a few new chiefs, and Antonio Bryant says he is eager to heed the call.

A year ago, Bryant was hardly deemed a potential locker room leader. He had been forced to sit out the 2007 season because 32 NFL teams simply weren't interested.

In previous stints with the Cowboys, Browns and 49ers, Bryant was shackled with a reputation as a troublemaker, a disruptive teammate who bristled at authority.

"A.B., sneakily, to his credit, is a guy who just wants to win," Morris said after Wednesday's voluntary practice session. "He has a perception of being selfish, and he's far from that. He's quite a story - from the couch to being a franchise player. I don't know many people who can say they did that."

The 28-year-old receiver carried Tampa Bay's passing game last season with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns.

Unlike many of his teammates, Bryant remained prolific during a December collapse. He grabbed 26 receptions for 512 yards and four touchdowns in the four-game losing streak that left Tampa Bay at 9-7 and out of the NFC playoff picture.

"I've got a lot to prove," Bryant said. "Last year was for the haters ... this year is for the doubters. When you have a year like that, you're going to get more attention. This year, it might not be about me getting the ball. If that means Antonio has to run 89 comebacks and that'll get us in the playoffs, then I'll run 89 comebacks."

Bryant was about to test the free agent market before the Bucs slapped him with the franchise tag in February. He will make $9.5 million this season, and that is quite a consolation prize.

"I can't do anything about that," Bryant said of his contract status. "It is what it is. I'm here, I'm at my job, I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and I'm gonna do it 110 percent."

Always looking for a motivational edge, Bryant can summon up demons past and present.

He is still upset that nine receivers were off the board before Dallas selected him late in the second round of the 2002 draft.

"Now you look at us and I'm the No. 1 guy," Bryant said. "Those are my peers, the guys I compete with. I felt like I got cheated in the draft, but it's cool.""