Historical Moments:

1974: Awarded the National Football League's 27th franchise on April 24,1974 with the first kickoff scheduled for 1976, The franchise was originally award to Tom McCloskey a Philadelphia construction executive but shortly after ward declined ownership of the newest NFL franchise. Hugh Culverhouse, a successful Jacksonville , Florida tax lawyer and real estate broker was then awarded the franchise after tuning down the Seattle franchise for geographical reasons

1975 : On February 15, 1975 they announced the team nick name after reviewing over 400 possibilities as the “ Buccaneers”. John McKay hired as the first ever head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McKay had achieved great success while coaching at the University of Southern California with four national championships in his 16 year stint as the USC Head Coach. It was McKay who orchestrated the building process that led to the Buccaneers' stunning early success. The Buccaneers played their first season in the AFC West with understanding that the following year they would move permanently to the NFC Central.

1976 : Coached by legendary USC coach John McKay The Bucccaneers would stock their roster through the veteran allocation draft by selecting 39 players from other teams in the NFL. Buccaneers selected LB Lee Roy Selmon with their first ever draft pick and traded for Steve Spurrier to give themselves a veteran QB. On September 12th the Buccaneers played their first regular season game in Houston against the Oilers, and were shut out 20-0. A week later they played their first game at Tampa Stadium against the San Diego Chargers, once again they were shutout, losing 23-0. A week later the Bucccaneers finally got on the board with 3 Dave Green FGs. However, they still lost at home to the Buffalo Bills 14-9. The Bucccaneers lost their next 2 games as well before facing their expansion brothers at Tampa Stadium. With both teams fighting for their first ever win the Seattle Seahawks stunned the Bucccaneers with a last minute FG 13-10. A week later it was heartbreak again as they played it close all game with Miami Dolphins before losing 23-20. It would be the last close game the Bucccaneers would play all season. Already 0-7 the Bucccaneers would continue to lose, being shutout a total of 4 times on the way to an embarrassing 0-14 season, in which they were outscored a total of 412-125. The Buccaneers had ended their first season, and were still waiting for their first win. The team will forever be remembered as the worst in the history of the NFL as Coach John McKay once replied "He was all for it, " when asked about his team's execution.

1977 : Now playing in the NFC Central the Buccaneers did not fair any better being shutout 6 times on the way to losing their first 12 games.  Overall it gave the Buccaneers an embarrassing 26 game losing streak. In those 26 games the Bucccaneers lost by less then a TD 3 times. However, on December 11th the Bucccaneers futility would finally come to an end in New Orleans , as the Bucccaneers beat the Saints 33-14 behind 3 interceptions returned for Touchdowns giving the franchise their first ever win. When the team got home to Tampa , over 8,000 fans had gathered to greet them. A week later the Bucccaneers won their first home game beating the St. Louis Cardinals 17-7, to close their 2nd season with a 2-12 record while win two games in a row.

1978 : Jimmy Dubose the first Buc to run for 100 yards in a game vs the New York Gaints. After losing their first 2 games the Bucccaneers won their next 2 to sit at .500 for the first time ever. The Bucccaneers would alternate wins and loses over the 4 weeks, and were actually playing solid football at 4-4. However, injuries would cripple the Bucccaneers as they lost 7 of their last 8 games to finish with a 5-11 record. DT Dave Pear becomes first Buc named to pro-bowl.

1979 : The Bucccaneers started off their 4th season on the right note by beating the Detroit Lions 31-16 at Tampa Stadium to start the season with a win. The Bucccaneers would go on to win their first 5 games, becoming the story of the season. However the team would start to struggle and their playoff hopes sat in jeopardy entering the final week of the season with an 8-7 record. Playing in a torrential downpour in Tampa the Bucccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 3-0 on December 16, to clinch their first ever NFC Central Title with a 9-7 record. On December 29, the Buccaneers win their first ever playoff game by beating the Eagles 24 – 17 at Tampa Stadium behind the running of Ricky Bell who rushed for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. Among the stars of the surprise season was RB Ricky Bell who became the first ever Buc to rush for 1000 yards. He finished the season with 1,263 yards, and LB Lee Roy Selmon who was named Defensive Player of the Year. Just 2 years after ending their 26-game losing streak the Bucccaneers were facing the Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Stadium for a trip to the Super Bowl. However, the Bucccaneers were washed away losing the NFC Championship Game 9-0 in the rain.  

1980 : The Bucccaneers got off on the right foot again winning their first 2 games. The Buccaneers would avenge their playoff loss to the Rams in their first prime time debut by beating the Rams 10 -9. Bucs set franchise record for rushing in a game vs. the Giants amassing 244 yards on the ground. However, the magic would not return as the Bucccaneers struggled with injuries on the way to a disappointing 5-10-1 season. However, QB Doug Williams provided a bright spot passing for 3,396 yards.

1981 : The Buccaneers play mediocre football all season, but find themselves in the thick for the race for first place in a weak NFC Central. A late season 3 game winning streak highlighted by 336 passing yards in a game form Doug Williams would put the Bucccaneers in the driver's seat. However, after a heartbreaking 1-point loss at home to the San Diego Chargers, the Bucccaneers need a win over the Lions in Detroit to win the division. The game was close through out as Dog Williams hit WR Kevin House on a 84-yard TD strike to lift the Bucccaneers to a 20-17 win and win their second NFC Central Title. However, the Bucccaneers season would end quickly with a 38-0 shellacking in Dallas form the Cowboys.  

1982 : The NFL players association announces player strike on September 20, After a 57 day strike labor peace was reached. The Bucccaneers lost their first 2 games before a 2-month player strike interrupts the season. When the players returned the Bucccaneers still struggled losing to the Cowboys 14-9 in Dallas . Facing a 0-4 start the Bucccaneers would get their first win a week later with a 23-17 Monday Night win over the Miami Dolphins at Tampa . The win would be the spark the Bucccaneers needed as they won 5 of their last 6 including their final 3 games to qualify for the playoffs with a 5-4 record. However, once again their season would end in Dallas with a 30-17 loss to the Cowboys. Following the season the Bucs would lose QB Doug Williams to the USFL over a contract dispute with owner Hugh Culverhouse.

1983 : Without Doug Williams the Bucccaneers would loss their first 9 games, giving fans flashbacks of the 1976 season. The Bucccaneers would finally get their first win in Minnesota as RB James Wilder rushed for a team record 219 yards in a 17-12 win over the Vikings. The Bucccaneers would win only 1 more game the rest of the season, finishing with a dreadful 2-14 record.

1984 : The Buccaneers struggle early again losing 7 of their first 10 games, as Coach John McKay announces he would retire following the season. The Bucccaneers would end the season on a strong note winning their final 2 games to finish with a 6-10 record, as McKay coaches final game as head coach of the Buccaneers on December 16. RB James Wilder ended the season with 2,229 All-Purpose Yards. Following season the Bucccaneers would sign QB Steve Young away from the USFL.   

1985 : Under the direction of new head coach Leeman Bennett the Buccaneers would struggle out of the gate losing their first 9 games, before shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals 16-0 at Tampa Stadium. The Bucccaneers would go on to win just one more game all season, finishing with a 2-14 record for the 2nd time in 3 seasons. Meanwhile, QB Steve Young would have a rough debut being sacked 21 times in limited action.  

1986 : Prior to the start of the season the Bucccaneers were embarrassed in the NFL daft when, top draft pick Bo Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy refuses to sign and chooses to play baseball with the Kansas City Royals. On the field the Bucccaneers were even a greater embarrassment finishing with a 2-14 record, as Steve Young has a horrid season being sacked 47 times while throwing just 8 TD passes. .DE Lee Roy Selmon has jersey retired in halftime ceremony. Following the season Head Coach Leeman Bennett would be fired after compiling a 4 -28 record as the Bucs head coach and would be replaced by Ray Perkins a few days later.  

1987 : The Bucccaneers use the top pick for yet another Heisman Trophy winner, this time they are able to come to terms with QB Vinny Testaverde, which led to the trading of QB Steve Young to the San Francisco 49ers. However, Testaverde would have to wait for the starting job, as Steve DeBerg got the season started on the right note throwing 5 TD passes in a season opening win over the Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Stadium. Season interrupted by second strike in six years. The Buccaneers would get off to a solid start winning 4 of their first 7 games. However, the Bucccaneers would lose their last 8 games to finish with a dreadful 4-11 record, their 5th straight season with 10 or more losses. Testaverde would eventually see some action passing for 1,081 yards in limited action.   

1988 : Vinny Testaverde is given the starting job at QB, and struggles right away; throwing 35 interceptions to just 13 TD passes, as the Bucccaneers finished with a terrible 5-11 record. However, the Bucccaneers were bad all over even losing a game against the Colts in Indianapolis when Vinny passed for a team record 469 yards.

1989 : Despite an improved season from QB Vinny Testaverde the Buccaneers still struggle to a 5-11 record, for their 7th consecutive season with 10 or more losses. Highlighting the lost season was an impressive season in which WR Mark Carrier set a franchise record with 1,422 yards an earns pro-bowl invite.

1990 : The Buccaneers get off to a solid start winning 4 of their first 6 games. However, the Bucccaneers ship would spring a leak an begin to sink again during a 6-game losing streak. The Bucs would snap the losing streak with a 23-17 win over the Falcons in Atlanta . However, it was not enough to save Head Coach Ray Perkins job, as he was fired and replaced by Richard Williamson. Under Williamson the Bucccaneers would lose 2 of 3 to finish with a 6-10 record.

1991 : In Richard Williamson's first full season as Coach the Buccaneers would get off to a miserable start losing their first 5 games, on the way to another last place 3-13 season. Reggie Cobb sets team record with 3 rushing touchdowns in a game. Among the major disappointments was QB Vinny Testaverde who passes for 1,994 yards and throws just 8 TD passes to 15 interceptions. Following the season Coach Williamson would be fired and replaced by Sam Wyche.

1992 : Under Sam Wyche the Bucccaneers get off to a solid start winning 3 of their first 4 games. However, the Bucccaneers would fall again losing 5 straight, and 10 of 11 on the way to a 5-11 season, which was their 10th straight season with 10 or more losses. Following the season QB Vinny Testaverde was released after 6 mainly disappointing season. Making matters worse former QB Steve Young, won the NFL's MVP award with San Francisco 49ers.

1993 : Hardy Nickerson signed as an unrestricted free agent earns pro-bowl invite with a team record 214 tackles on the season. Despite a solid 3,054 passing season from QB Craig Erickson the Buccaneer woes continue losing 5 of their first 6 games on the way to another wretched 5-11 season.

1994 : The Buccaneers lose their patriarch when long time owner Hugh Culverhouse who has owned the team since it founding dies at the age of 75. Trying to start from step one again the Bucs draft QB Trent Dilfer with their first round pick. Dilfer would struggle in limited time a he threw just 1 TD pas to 6 interceptions, as the Bucccaneers lost 9 of their first 11 games. The Buccaneers would finish the season on a strong note winning 4 straight, highlighted by a 192-yard game for RB Eric Rhett. However, with a chance to end 12 years of frustration, the Bucccaneers dropped their season finale at Tampa Stadium to the Green Bay Packers 34-19, the loss would drop the Bucccaneers to 6-10 on the season.

1995 : Prior to the start of the season the Buccaneers are sold to restaurateur Malcolm Glazer. The Bucccaneers would get off to a solid start winning 5 of their first 7 games, to find themselves in first place on October 15th. However, the Bucccaneers would lose 7 of their last 9 games, ending 12 straight seasons with 10 or more losses. Corner stone LT Paul Gruber makes his 118 career start thus passing Lee Roy Selmon for most starts in team history. Following the season Head Coach Sam Wyche is fired and replaced by Tony Dungy. Among the disappointments was QB Trent Dilfer who threw just 4 TD passes to 18 interceptions.

1996 : In Tony Dungy's first season at the helm the Buccaneers hit rough waters early losing their first 5 and 8 of 9 overall. However, the team would finish the season on a strong note winning 5 of their lat 7 games. The Bucccaneers at 6-10 would suffer their 14th straight losing season, but with a score of young talented players hope was beginning to return to Tampa . 

1997 : Prior to the final season at Tampa Stadium, which had recently been named Houlihan's Stadium a year earlier the Buccaneers got a new look, discarding the old effeminate red and orange pirate, for a meaner sleeker look featuring a red pirate flag on a pewter helmet. The Bucccaneers would use the new Pewter Power to have their ship setting sail an on course out of the gate winning their first 5 games. However the ship would hit rough sees as they lost 3 in a row. Instead of sinking the Bucccaneers righted the ship and would go on to earn a wild card spot with a 10-6 record. Highlighting the Bucccaneers successful season was Trent Dilfer who had a solid season passing for 21 Touchdowns, Mike Alstott the powering fullback who bulldozed his way for 7 TDs and countless first downs, and Warrick Dunn who captured the Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. In the Bucccaneers first playoff game in 15 years the Bucccaneers slaughtered the Detroit Lions 20-10 behind the powerful running of Alstott in the final game at Houlihan's Stadium. However, their season would come to an end a week later with a 27-7 loss in Green Bay to the Packers.

1998 : To assure their new stadium is ready the Buccaneers start the season by playing their first 2 games on the road. Unfortunately both games were against playoff teams, and the Bucccaneers lost both. The Bucccaneers would finally open Raymond James Stadium on September 20th, as the Bucccaneers rallied from an early deficit to beat the Chicago Bears 27-15. However, an early tough schedule and offensive struggles would cause the Bucccaneers to get off to a rough start. The Bucccaneers would finally reach the .500 mark by handing the Minnesota Vikings their only loss on the season 27-24 at the Pirate Ship. However the Bucccaneers were not able to capitalize on the momentum as they lost their next 3 games. With their playoff hopes all but gone the Bucccaneers would win 3 in a row to keep hope alive, but a 20-16 loss to the Redskins in Washington sealed their fate, as the Bucccaneers needed to win their last game to finish with a disappointing 8-8 record. Following the season the Bucccaneers would use a 2nd Round draft pick to select PK Martin Gramatica, a move that came after Michael Husted missed 7 key FGs.

1999 : The Bucccaneers take on rough waters early as they drop their season opener 17-13 to the New York Giants in Tampa . A week later the Bucccaneers would recover as their defense smothered the Eagles to the tune of 9 sacks in a 19-5 win in Philadelphia . The defense would carry the weight most of the season, as the Bucccaneers offense seemed in neutral at times as the Bucccaneers got off to a disappointing 3-4 start, in which the defense only allows 20 points twice. However, the offense only managed 20 once, leading to Shaun King being inserted at Quarterback. King's play was not spectacular but it seemed to give the team some spark, as they embarked on a 6-game winning streak to catapult themselves into first place. After a aberrational 45-0 loss to the Raiders in Oakland the Bucccaneers won their last 2 games to claim the NFC central with a franchise best 11-5 record, earning them a first round bye, as Warren Sapp won Defensive Player of the Year honors. In the Divisional Playoffs the Bucccaneers would overcome a 13-0 deficit in the 3rd Quarter to beat the Washington Redskins 14-13 before a record crowd of 65,835 at Raymond James Stadium. In the NFC Championship Game in St. Louis the Bucccaneers held a precarious 6-5 lead late in the 4th Quarter over the Rams. However, the Rams would take an 11-5 lead with a little over 2 minutes left. The Bucccaneers would drive right down the field and appeared to be on the move when Shaun King hit Bert Emmanuel on a key first down pass. However, instant replay would overturn the call and the Bucccaneers ship was sunk, even though most angles showed Emanuel made the catch. 

2000 : To give the offense an added dimension the Buccaneers acquire WR Keyshawn Johnson from the New York Jets. The trade paid immediate dividends as the Bucccaneers won their first 3 games in impressive fashion. However, the Bucccaneers would blow a 17-3 lead in the 4th Quarter to the Jets, which seems to send the Bucccaneers into a tailspin as they lost 4 straight. The Bucccaneers would right the stern with a 41-13 rout of the previously Minnesota Vikings at the Pirate Ship, as the Bucccaneers 7 of their next 8. Sitting at 10-5 the Bucccaneers needed a win in their final game to win the NFC Central. However, the game was in Green Bay and the temperature was below 40 conditions in which the Bucccaneers had never won before. The Bucccaneers appeared to have the game won as Martin Gramatica set up for a 35-yard FG with time winding down in regulation. However, the usually reliable Gramatica's kick was offline, and the Packers would win the game in OT 17-14. The Bucccaneers would have to settle for a wild card spot with a 10-6 record. In the Wild Card Game in Philadelphia the mercury dipped below 40 again as the Bucccaneers were frost bit with a 21-3 loss to the Eagles.  

2001 : The Bucccaneers in hopes to revitalize the offense sign Free Agent QB Brad Johnson. However, the offense remained stagnate, as the Bucccaneers played mediocre football and sat 4-5 through their first 9 games. With playoff hopes fading the Bucccaneers would stun the Rams 27-24 in a Monday Night thriller in St. Louis . The win was the spark the Bucccaneers needed as they won 3 straight and 5 out of 6 to qualify for the playoffs as the 6th seed with a 9-7 record. However, the season was still considered a major disappointment as the offense struggled all season, which led to rumors that Bill Parcels was in line to become the next coach, as it was understood the Bucccaneers needed to beat the Eagles in Philadelphia to save Ton Dungy's job. The game was over before it began as the Bucccaneers were rocked in Philadelphia 31-9. Within a few days it would become official as Dungy was forced to walk the plank. However, Parcels had a last minute change of heart and the Bucccaneers were forced to scramble. Over the next few weeks the Bucccaneers ship looked in complete disarray, as they could not come up with a replacement. Dungy himself would even land work before the Bucccaneers made a deal with Oakland Raiders that allowed them to sign Coach Jon Gruden to take over the Bucccaneers stern. 

2002 : With Jon Gruden taking over as head coach the Buccaneers began the season with renewed hope playing in the newly formed NFC South Division. However, the Bucs old struggles creped up in the season's first game as they lost to the New Orleans Saints at home 26-20 in overtime after rallying from a 17-point deficit.  The Buccaneers would quickly rebound behind their dominant defense as they won 5 straight allowing only 1 TD while LB Derrick Brooks scored 3 times. The Buccaneers would enter a key match up with the Philadelphia Eagles with a record of 5-1. Their they would get off to a strong start as Brooks set a NFL record for Linebackers with his 4th TD return. However, the Bucccaneers old struggles in Philadelphia would rise again as they lost 20-10. The Bucccaneers loss to the Eagles would be a bump in the road as their top rated defense helped the Bucccaneers to improve to 8-2 heading into a key match up with the Green Bay Packers at home. Against the Packers the Bucccaneers defense was at its best sacking Brett Favre 3 times and picking off 4 passes in a 21-7 win. The game was not without its controversy as Warren Sapp and Packers Coach Mike Sherman got into a heated war of words after the game after Sapp injured tackle Chad Clifton during a interception return with a vicious but clean hit. After a disappointing loss in New Orleans the Buccaneers defense again frustrated one of the top QBs in the NFL as Atlanta Flacons dynamo Michael Vick was frustrated and limited to 9 yard rushing and 125 yards passing in a dominant 34-10 Buccaneers win. After narrowly beating the Detroit Lions the Buccaneers road to the Super Bowl seemed in peril as they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-7 on Monday Night with QB Brad Johnson on the sideline. With a record of 11-4 the Bucccaneers entered the final game of the season needing a win for a first round bye in the playoff. However, to do so they would have to end 0-39 losing streak in sub 40-degree weather. Playing with Rob Johnson in at QB the Bucccaneers defense did it all completely shutting down the Chicago Bears as Martin Gramattica hit 5 field goals in a 15-0 win. The win completed the Buccaneers season at 12-4 a franchise best, as Derrick Brooks was named Defensive Player of the year, in a season of several defensive MVPs including NFC sack leader Simeon Rice. After the Buccaneers offense struggled in the final 2 games it was clear they needed the bye week for QB Brad Johnson to fully heal. When they played their first game in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers Johnson would get off to a shaky start as he threw an interception on the Bucccaneers first possession. However the Bucccaneers top rated defense buckled down and kept the 49ers off the scoreboard. Brad Johnson would not make another mistake as the Bucccaneers jumped out to a 28-6 halftime lead on the way to an overwhelming 31-6 victory that catapulted them into the NFC Championship Game. Heading into the NFC Championship it seemed as if everything was against the Bucccaneers as they headed to Philadelphia , where their previous 2 seasons ended in disaster for the final game ever at Veterans Stadium. Things got bleaker as the Eagles had a 7-0 lead less then a minute into the game after a long kickoff return by Brian Mitchell. The Buccaneers would catch their breath as a steady drive on their first possession led to a Martin Gramattica FG. After stopping the Eagles on their next possession the Buccaneers offense made a big game changing play as Joe Jerevicius, who was playing with a heavy heart after his son was born severely premature, turned a 3rd down reception into a 74-yard game deep into Eagles territory. The heroic catch and run set up a Mike Alstott TD that gave the Bucccaneers a 10-7 lead. After another long Brian Mitchell kick return led to a tying field goal, Keyshawn Johnson showed his playing making abilities catching 32 passes including one for a TD to give Tampa a 17-10 halftime lead. In the second half the Bucccaneers defense took over as the Buccaneers added a field goal to take a 20-10 lead. As time was Rhonde Barber put the dagger in the Eagles by returning a Donovan McNabb interception 94 yard for a Touchdown he could have run all the way to San Diego as the Bucs beat the Eagles and the ghosts of the Vet 27-10 to go to their first Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XXXVII : For Jon Gruden Super Bowl Week was a circus as he faced the team he had coached a year previously the Oakland Raiders. Gruden knew the Raiders offense so well, that he at times portrayed Raiders QB Rich Gannon in practice, using the same single calls. However, the Buccaneers defense had its back against the wall early as Brad Johnson threw an interception on the Bucccaneers first possession. However, the defense rose to the occasional and held the number 1 offense in the NFL to a FG. The Bucccaneers would quickly tie the game on their next possession. Knowing the Raiders offense would begin to pay off as 2 Dexter Jackson interceptions to give the Bucccaneers a 6-3 lead. While the Bucccaneers defense was shutting down the Raiders offense the Bucccaneers offense was starting to break down the Raiders defense as a long drive led to a Mike Alstott TD. The Buccaneers would pad their lead to 20-3 as Keenan McCardell caught a TD pass in the final minute of the first half. The Bucccaneers defense had completely taken the Raiders out of the game by allowing just 3 first downs 62 yards total offense. The Bucccaneers would get off to a strong start in the second half as they expended their lead to 27-3 on a 14-play 89-yard time consuming Touchdown drive. With the Raiders in panic mode the Bucccaneers scoring defense would put down the clamps as Dwight Smith picked off Rich Gannon for a 44-yard interception return to give the Bucccaneers a 34-3 lead. However, the Raiders would not give up as they scored 3 touchdowns to take get back with in 2 touchdowns at 34-21. With time winding down the Bucccaneers defense would again rise to the occasion as Derrick Brooks return an interception 44 yards for a TD to give the Bucccaneers a 41-21 lead with 1:18 left. The return by Brooks sent the Buccaneers into celebration mode as Dexter Jackson was voted MVP for his 2 early interceptions that set the trend for the game. However, their defense was not done scoring as Dwight Smith returned his 2nd interception 50 yards for a TD that put an exclamation point on the Buccaneers 48-21 Super Bowl Victory. 

2003 : Coming off their Super Bowl Championship great things were expected again for the Buccaneers, as they got off to a great start spoiling the grand opening of the Philadelphia Eagles new stadium on Monday Night Football 17-0 as Joe Jerevicius made a spectacular highlight reel catch. However in Week 2 the Bucccaneers began to hit rough waters as Jerevicius was essentially lost for the season with a knee injury in their home opener the following week against the Carolina Panthers. The game would provide further frustration as the Bucccaneers appeared to have the game won with a Touchdown on the games final play. However Martin Gramatica's PAT was blocked and the game went to overtime tied at 9, where the Panthers eventually won the game with a Field Goal. The Bucccaneers recovered with a win over the Atlanta Falcons the following week and appeared to be in great shape leading the Indianapolis 35-7 with a little over 5 minutes left in the game. However the Colts would make a stunning comeback with 28 points to send the game to overtime where the Colts would win 38-35. Making matters worse both Mike Alstott and Brian Kelly were lost to season ending injuries. The Bucccaneers would stay afloat as they won 35-13 the following on the road against the Washington Redskins, but every win was followed by a loss as the Bucccaneers continued to play .500 ball. Eventually the absence of their power running game would catch up to the Bucccaneers as they fell below .500 in a 27-24 loss to the Panthers that ended their hopes of winning the NFC South in Week 10. Devastated the Bucccaneers continued to struggle playing sluggish football in a 20-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers the following week at home. A few days later the Bucccaneers frustrations boiled over as Keyshawn Johnson who sulked all season over his usage in the offense was benched for the remainder of the season. Without Keyshawn the Bucccaneers beat the New York Giants on Monday Night Football 19-13 to keep their fading hopes alive. However a week later the Bucccaneers offense was stuck in neutral as they were beaten by the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10. The Bucccaneers would end up splitting their final 4 games to finish the season in 3rd place with a disappointing 7-9 record.

2004 : Changes began to roll through Tampa as Warren Sapp and John Lynch were both allowed to walk away from the team, while Keenan McCardell was trying to force his way off the team by holding out. When the season started the Bucccaneers struggled right away losing their first 4 games as newly acquired WR Joey Galloway was lost for 8 weeks after an injury in Week 1 while QB Brad Johnson struggled, leading to his benching. In Week 5 the Bucccaneers would turn to 2nd year QB Chris Simms, who would be injured in his first game leading to Brian Griese who would take over and lead the team the rest of the way as they won their first game against the New Orleans Saints 20-17. Over the next 8 games the Bucccaneers played better climbing to 5-7 as Griese showed promise leading the offense while rookie WR Michael Clayton was having a solid year with 1,193 receiving yards with 7 touchdowns. However, with a chance to climb back in the playoff race the Bucccaneers suffered back to back heartbreaking losses that would knock the wind out of their sales as they went on to lose their final 4 games on the way to sinking to last place with a disappointing 5-11 record.

2005 : The Buccaneers got off to a fast start thanks to their top draft pick RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who had a historic first three games as he rushed for 434 yards on 88 carries as the Bucccaneers got off to a 3-0 start. However, in Week 4 Cadillac showed some early wear and tear as he rushed for just 13 yards on 11 carries and left with an injury as the Bucccaneers beat the Detroit Lions 17-13 to improve to 4-0. However, with Cadillac in the shop the following week the Bucccaneers were stunned by the New York Jets 14-12. Williams would be out again the following week as the Buccaneers beat the Miami Dolphins in a Sunshine State Showdown 27-13. However, in the game the Buccaneers would lose QB Brian Griese for the rest of the year to a knee injury. After the bye week with Chris Simms starting the Bucccaneers offense looked lost as they were beaten by the San Francisco 49ers 15-10 despite not allowing a Touchdown. Following a 34-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers dropped them to 5-3 the Buccaneers season appeared to be slipping away as they trailed the Washington Redskins 35-28 late in the 4th Quarter. The game would end up being a coming out party for Chris Simms as he passed for 3 Touchdowns including a 30 yarder Edell Sheppard with 58 seconds remaining; from there Coach Jon Gruden gambled and had Mike Alstott run in for a 2 point conversion that gave the Buccaneers a dramatic 36-35 win. Reenergized the Bucccaneers won again the following week against the Atlanta Falcons as Cadillac Williams ran for 116 yards. After splitting their next two games the Buccaneers stunned the Carolina Panthers on the road 20-10 to pull into a 1st place tie in the NFC South. However, a December trip to face the New England Patriots exposed many holes in the Bucccaneers as they lost 28-0. However the would recover to win their next two games and would capture the Division Title with a record of 11-5 as Cadillac Williams who rushed for 1178 yards and scored 6 Touchdowns was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, in the playoffs the Buccaneers young offense would struggle as Cadillac was limited to 49 yards and Chris Simms committed 3 turnovers including a interception that set up the Redskins first TD, and a fumble that was returned for the second, as the Buccaneers lost the game to the 17-10, despite limiting the Redskins to just 120 yards total offense. Ronde Barber becomes first ever member of NFL's 20/20 club with 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career.

2006 : After winning the division in 2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered through a horrific 2006 season by posting a 4–12 record. The season was plagued by injuries, with starters such as G Dan Buenning, WR Michael Clayton, RB Carnell Williams, DE Simeon Rice, CB Brian Kelly, and QB Chris Simms all being placed on injured reserve at some point through out the season. The season also saw a lot of rookies starting for the Bucs, such as QB Bruce Gradkowski, T Jeremy Trueblood, and G Davin Joseph. The league schedule was also unfriendly to the Bucs, scheduling them for 3 games (two of them away games) within 11 days of each other.

The Bucs started off the season 0-3, with QB Chris Simms throwing only 1 touchdown to 7 interceptions. In the third game of the season, a last-minute loss to the Carolina Panthers, Simms's spleen was ruptured, and he was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season. After their bye week, the Bucs elected to start rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, a 6th round pick from Toledo .

Gradkowski started off performing decently. The Bucs nearly upset the New Orleans Saints, and then went on to win two narrow victories: one, against the Cincinnati Bengals, winning on an overturned call resulting in a touchdown; and another against the Philadelphia Eagles, thanks to Matt Bryant's 62-yard field goal. After these victories, though, Gradkowski's performance declined. After a 3-17 loss to the New York Giants in heavy winds, the Bucs proceeded to lose 5 of their next 6 games, leading them to a record of 3-10 (0-6 in their division). In the loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Gradkowski was replaced in the 4th quarter by yet another backup quarterback, Tim Rattay.

In the first half of the Bucs' next game, against the Chicago Bears, Gradkowski was again replaced by Rattay, who led the team from a 24-3 deficit to a score of 31-31, with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. However, the Bucs then lost the game in overtime, 34-31. Rattay was then named the new starting quarterback for the last two games for the season. The Bucs finished their season with a 4-12 record, tied for third worst in the NFL.

The Bucs will only send one player to the 2007 Pro Bowl, cornerback Ronde Barber.

In addition, the 2006 season was possibly the last season for fullback and fan favorite Mike Alstott.

Team facilities

Stadiums : (2)

Tampa Stadium* 1976-1997

Raymond James Stadium 1998-Pr

In 1975, the Buccaneers built a small practice complex with offices near Tampa International Airport called One Buccaneer Place . As other NFL teams upgraded their facilities, Bucccaneers players and coaches stepped up their complaints about the aircraft noise, cramped offices, small locker rooms and run-down condition of One Buc Place . Even head coach Jon Gruden has sarcastically referred to the facility as "The Woodshed." For much of the team's existence, the Bucccaneers held training camp on the University of Tampa campus. However, in recent years, the Bucccaneers s have held training camp in Orlando at the expansive and better-equipped Disney's Wide World of Sports facilities at Walt Disney World.

In August 2006, the Bucccaneers unveiled their new, and long-awaited, training facility, which had been under construction for the better part of a year. Conveniently located across the street from Raymond James Stadium on the former site of Tampa Bay Center , a large mall that the Glazers purchased in 2002 and later demoished in 2005, this state-of-the-art complex is now the largest for any team in the NFL. Featuring expansive new offices and meeting rooms, two natural grass practice fields, a theatre designed for both team meetings and press conferences, an expanded weight training room, a giant kitchen, a rehabilitation center with three separate pools and a locker room twice the size of the existing one at One Buc Place, the Glazers told building contractors that "money was no object" in the construction of the facility.] To that end, plasma televisions are featured throughout--primarily in the offices of the coaching staff--and head coach Jon Gruden's corner office even features a shower with a view of the practice fields. The building is capped off with a giant five-story glass and steel football as a key design element. A third practice field, featuring artificial turf, will be added in the future.

Practices at the currently-unnamed facility will remain closed to the public, although the existing mall parking on the west side of the property is still available for use on game days.

Helmets

Bucs Helmet (1976-1997)

Bucs Helmet (1997-present)

Uniforms, colors and logos

Bucs logo (1976-1996), nicknamed "Buccaneer Bruce"

Bucs logo (1997-present)

When the team began play in 1976, Culverhouse initially picked team colors of green and white. However, the shade of green was too close to that used by the Miami Dolphins. A medium shade of orange was substituted for green, and the garish "Creamsicle" home uniform of orange jerseys with white numbers and pants was the result. Even in the Bucccaneers ' brief glory days in the late 1970s and early 1980s, their uniforms made them the butt of jokes throughout the league.

Long-time Tampa Tribune cartoonist Lamar Sparkman designed the first team logo. Faced with the difficulty of designing a logo that didn't look too much like that of the other "pirates" in the league, the Raiders, Sparkman came up with a pirate in a plumed hat and a cutlass in his mouth. The pirate appeared to be winking. He came to be known as "Buccaneer Bruce" or "Bucco Bruce". Sports writer/commentator Nick Bakay once noted it "struck fear in the hearts of no one."

In 1992, the Bucccaneers introduced orange pants to be worn with the white jerseys. Prior to the team's season finale in 1995 against the Detroit Lions, lame-duck coach Sam Wyche suggested that the Bucccaneers wear the orange pants with their orange jerseys, but the idea was vetoed by, among others, Pro Bowl linebacker Hardy Nickerson.

For the 1997 season, the Glazers worked with the NFL to develop a more marketable and intimidating look. The Bucccaneers changed their team colors to dark red, black, and pewter with white and orange striping. "Bucco Bruce" was replaced by a red flag displaying a white pirate skull and crossed sabres. The flag was mounted on another sabre. The "Buccaneers" team name was written in a new font, Totally Gothic , and was either red with shadows of gray, or red and white. Orange was used on the uniform to maintain a visual link to the old logo. The football in the new logo is orange, and orange stripes appear on the pants and numerals. Chris Berman nicknamed them "the pirates in pewter pants," a play on the The Pirates of Penzance .

The team's uniform was also redesigned in 1997 to include a combination of either red or white jerseys, and either pewter or white pants. The team's alternate jersey is black, but has never been used in games. In 2003, the Bucccaneers introduced a practice jersey that featured orange piping. In 2004, a pewter practice jersey was used, with numerals in the romulan falcon font. Since the change in 1997, the Buccaneers have never worn the old uniform again, even during league-sponsored "throwback" weekends. In fact, Glazer has gone so far as to ban NFL Properties from marketing the Bucccaneers orange color scheme ever again, seeing it as a reminder of the team's woeful past.

Like many other NFL teams located in subtropical climates, the Bucccaneers traditionally wear their white jerseys at home during the first half of the season — forcing opponents to suffer in the darker colors during the hot summers and autumns in Tampa .

The Bucccaneers ' 1997 uniform change prompted a 2003 lawsuit by the Raiders, who claimed that the NFL and the Buccaneers had infringed upon key trademark elements of the Raiders' brand, including the Raiders' pirate logo. In the same suit, the Raiders challenged the Carolina Panthers' color scheme, which included silver and black. The Raiders wanted the courts to bar the Buccaneers and Panthers from wearing their uniforms while playing in California . However, since the lawsuit was filed in a state California court, the lawsuit was tossed out because federal courts only have jurisdiction on intellectual property issues. The Raiders have yet to appeal the ruling.

Team Font

Romulan Falcon

Head Coaches

• John McKay (1976-1984) Win-Loss record: 45-91-1
• Leeman Bennett (1985-1986) Win-Loss record: 4-28
• Ray Perkins (1987-1990) Win-Loss record: 19-41
• Richard Williamson (1990-1991) Win-Loss record: 4-15
• Sam Wyche (1992-1995) Win-Loss record: 23-41
• Tony Dungy (1996-2001) Win-Loss record: 56-46
• Jon Gruden (2002-current) Win-Loss record: 39-41

Pro Football Hall of Famers

• Lee Roy Selmon (the first pick in the 1976 draft and the Bucccaneers ' first ever draft pick)
• Steve Young (began NFL career with Tampa Bay , and appeared in 19 games. Acquired by San Francisco 49ers in 1987 for a second- and fourth-round draft choice and cash.)

Retired Numbers

• 63 Lee Roy Selmon, DE

Pro Bowl MVPs

• 1982 Lee Roy Selmon* LB
• 2006 Derrick Brooks LB

*Played on losing team

Awards

Coach of the Year :

None

Def. Rookie of the Year :

None

Off. Rookie of the Year : (2)

1997 Warick Dunn RB
2005 Cadillac Williams RB

Def. Player of the Year : (3)

1979 Lee Roy Selmon LB
1999 Warren Sapp DT
2002 Derrick Brooks LB

Off.  Player of the Year :

None

NFL MVP :

None

Super Bowl Mvp : (1)

XXXVII Dexter Jackson S (2002)

Super Bowl Champions : (1)

XXXVII (2002)

Super Bowls Appearances : (1)

XXXVII (2002)

NFC Championship Games : (3)

1979, 1999, 2002

Division Champions : (5)

1979, 1981, 1999, 2002, 2005

Playoff Appearances : (9)

1979, 1981, 1982, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005

Record in Playoff Games :

6-8 .462

Best Season :

2002 (12-4)

Worst Season :

1976 (0-14)

Season-by-Season Records

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

* = Current Standing