Dashon Goldson has said that he is taking his leadership role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "very seriously".

The free safety, who signed for the NFC South side in March, has emerged as a leader to some of the team's younger players.

The 28-year-old told the Buccaneers' official website: "I take that leadership role very seriously. I understand that I'm here to definitely help the younger guys out and definitely win football games around here.

"[That's how] I approach this practice field, and definitely when we're in the classroom [I need] to show these guys how to approach this game. With [cornerback Darrelle Revis being down, I've got to step up and play a bigger role and just help out as a leader with experience.

"The young players have responded very well. I think these guys do a great job of taking coaching, not just from the coaching staff but from the leaders at the same time. They're not prima donnas out here. These guys just want to win and want to get better, and that's a good start."

Goldson spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining Tampa Bay as a free agent.