Category: Bucs History

WATCH: Every interception from John Lynch’s career with the Bucs

He was a hard hitter, but Hall of Fame safety John Lynch also grabbed his share of picks during his legendary run with the Bucs

One of four members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ legendary 2002 Super Bowl champion defense to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, safety John Lynch was one of the most fearsome defenders of his era.

Though he was known far more for his ability to deliver big hits, Lynch also made his share of big plays by taking the ball away via interception rather than simply jarring it loose with a crushing blow.

Watch the video above to relive every interception from Lynch’s Hall of Fame career in Tampa Bay (courtesy of Liam Mitchell, Bucs Vault).

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Look how cheap Bucs season tickets were in 1976

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost every game of their inaugural season, but at least fans didn’t have to pay much to watch it

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are infamous for losing the first 26 regular-season games of their existence after joining the NFL as an expansion franchise for the 1976 season.

But hey, at least fans didn’t have to pay a ton to watch them.

While watching an NFL Films documentary on the Bucs’ meager beginnings, one eagle-eyed Bucs fan spotted a sign advertising season ticket prices for that inaugural season, and it’s safe to say some things have changed over the last 40 years.

I mean, you can’t even get a parking spot at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for those kinds of prices these days:

After winning two Super Bowls, the rates have gone up just a bit in Tampa over the years.

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Shelton Quarles, unsung hero of legendary Bucs defense

On a star-studded defense full of Hall of Famers, linebacker Shelton Quarles was still an impact player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The iconic Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenses of the late-1990s and early 2000s are headlined by four Hall of Famers in linebacker Derrick Brooks, cornerback Ronde Barber, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and safety John Lynch.

But that unit had other impact players who still don’t get the credit they deserve, and chief among them is middle linebacker Shelton Quarles.

Now the Director of Football Operations for the Bucs, Quarles was once a dynamic playmaker for those legendary Tampa Bay defenses, making big plays on a regular basis and helping the team win their first Super Bowl.

Take a look back at some of the best plays from Quarles’ career in Tampa Bay (courtesy of Liam Mitchell, Bucs Vault), and remind yourself of how important he was to that unit’s success:

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WATCH: Every interception from Derrick Brooks’ Hall of Fame career

Relive all 27 of Derrick Brooks’ career interceptions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks was one of the best linebackers in NFL history, and he was particularly known for his coverage skills.

A rare combination of speed, athleticism, agility, instincts and ball skills made him a constant threat to pluck any pass out of the air and take it back the other way for a score.

The most iconic moment of Brooks’ Hall of Fame career with the Bucs was a pick-six that sealed their dominant victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, giving Tampa Bay their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Here’s a look back at all 27 interceptions from Brooks’ career with the Bucs, courtesy of Liam Mitchell (Bucs Vault):

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Who’s your favorite player? Mr. Derrick Brooks

In case you forgot, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks was one of the best defenders in NFL history

You’re a true Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan if you remember that commercial, with legendary linebacker Derrick Brooks on a school bus listening to the kids recite all of his on-field accolades.

And there were plenty of them, as Brooks will go down as one of the best defenders in NFL history, and arguably the greatest player to ever wear a Bucs uniform.

A first-round pick out of Florida State in the 1995 NFL draft, Brooks became a foundational piece for what would become one of the most dominant defenses the league has ever seen, leading the Bucs to their first Super Bowl victory.

Check out this amazing highlight reel from Brooks’ career, including the moment the Bucs drafted him:

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Hardy Nickerson, the unsung hero of the Bucs’ 1990s turnaround

Hardy Nickerson still doesn’t get enough credit for his foundational role in changing the culture for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On a national level, when the discussion arises regarding the transformation experienced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the mid-1990s, most of the conversation centers on the Hall of Fame defenders who would eventually prove to be the core of their championship unit in 2002.

But while it’s right to give well-earned praise to the likes of Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, John Lynch and Rondé Barber, there’s one player who still doesn’t get the respect he deserves for setting the early foundation for the Bucs’ turnaround in those years.

Hardy Nickerson was one of the NFL’s best linebackers during his time in Tampa Bay, and his veteran leadership proved to be invaluable to those future Hall of Famers who spent their early years learning from his experience.

In case you forgot, check out this awesome highlight reel of Nickerson during his days in Tampa Bay:

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WATCH: Behind the scenes of Bucs’ dominant Super Bowl win vs. Chiefs

Relive the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ blowout win in Super Bowl LV with this awesome behind-the-scenes feature from NFL Films

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2020 season will go down in history for many reasons, from Tom Brady signing with them in free agency, to becoming the first team in NFL history to play and win a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

That year wasn’t always pretty for the Bucs, who were 7-5 heading into their bye week after a loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. But Brady and company finished the regular season with four straight wins, then won three consecutive playoff games on the road to earn a rematch with Mahomes and the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.

Tampa Bay made the most of their second chance on the biggest stage in sports, and just like their first trip to the Super Bowl, the Bucs delivered a dominant performance led by their defense.

Mahomes and the Chiefs failed to score a single touchdown, and the Bucs ran away with a 31-9 victory and the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Relive that iconic game with this awesome behind-the-scenes feature from NFL Films:

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The legend of Monte Kiffin and the ‘Tampa 2’ defense

Take a look back at the legendary Monte Kiffin and his patented defense, from the players and coaches who knew him best

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense will live forever as one of the most dominant units in NFL history, featuring four Hall of Famers and one of the best performances in Super Bowl history that earned the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

The man behind the curtain was defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who built the now-famous “Tampa 2” defense into a juggernaut that was often imitated, but never replicated.

Kiffin passed away earlier this week at the age of 84, following a legendary coaching career that reflected his hard work, limitless energy, and absolute genius.

Hear what Kiffin meant to the Bucs franchise from those who played for him and coached with him during those glory days in Tampa Bay:

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Rondé Barber, legendary big-play machine

In case you forgot, Rondé Barber was one of the most iconic defensive playmakers in NFL history

When he came into the league, doubters thought Rondé Barber was too small.

When he left the league, some of those same doubters still didn’t think No. 20 had made enough of an impact to be a Hall of Famer.

They were all wrong the whole time.

One of the most revolutionary defenders in NFL history, Barber made a 16-year career (all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) out of creating big plays in just about every way possible, from interceptions, fumble recoveries, sacks and more on his way to Canton.

Just in case you forgot, here’s an awesome highlight reel to remind you just how dominant Barber was throughout his legendary career:

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The No. 59 jersey has given the Bucs some underrated LBs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a handful of underrated linebackers wear the No. 59 jersey over the years

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had some legendary linebackers over the years, from the early days of Richard “Batman” Wood, to Hardy Nickerson and Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, to the modern marvel that is Lavonte David.

But they’ve also had some underrated players at the position, and a few of them all wore the No. 59 jersey.

Mason Foster, Jamie Duncan and Cato June all made their mark during their respective tenures in Tampa Bay, making some big plays along the way.

To celebrate 59 days until the Bucs’ regular-season opener, check out these awesome highlight reels of all three players, courtesy of Liam Mitchell (Bucs Vault):

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