Franchise FAQ

how old is the tampa bay buccaneers franchise

by Reyna Muller IV Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Awarded the National Football League's 27th franchise in 1974 with the first kickoff scheduled for 1976, owner Hugh Culverhouse, a successful Florida tax lawyer and broker, hired John McKay as the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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How much is Buccaneers franchise worth?

In 2022, the franchise value came to 3.68 billion U.S. dollars....Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise value from 2002 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)CharacteristicFranchise value in million U.S. dollars20202,28020192,20020182,00010 more rows•Sep 7, 2022

How old is Tampa Bay's?

Origin. Tampa Bay formed approximately 6,000 years ago as a brackish drowned river valley type estuary with a wide mouth connecting it to the Gulf of Mexico.

Where did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come from?

Tampa, FLTampa Bay Buccaneers / Location

Who owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

the Glazer familyOwner/Co-Chairman Joel Glazer is entering his 28th season overseeing the day-to-day operations of the franchise, along with other members of the Glazer family.

What does Tampa mean in Spanish?

feminine noun (Southern Cone) matted hair.

What does Buccaneer literally mean?

pirateDefinition of buccaneer 1 : any of the freebooters preying on Spanish ships and settlements especially in 17th century West Indies broadly : pirate. 2 : an unscrupulous adventurer especially in politics or business.

Why is it called Buccaneers?

The term buccaneer comes from the French boucan, a grill for the smoking of viande boucanée, or dried meat, for use in ships at sea.

Why are they called Tampa Bay and not Tampa?

Tampa Bay is the body of water which is next to the City of Tampa. There was never any confusion until Tampa was given an NFL franchise and decided to name the team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay AREA encompasses the major cities of Tampa, St.

Why is it called Tampa Bay?

In the early 19th century, it was believed that this portion of Florida coined as “Tampa Bay” was commonly invaded by a Spanish pirate named Jose Gaspar, or “Gasparilla,” which the city considered as the legendary pirate who supposedly terrorized the coastal waters of western Florida in the late 18th and 19th century.

How much would it cost to buy the Buccaneers?

The value of the Bucs has grown steadily for the Glazer family. It has been reported to be worth anywhere from $800 million to $900 million, although the global recession has reduced the values of all these teams, NFL teams, soccer clubs, all teams.

Are the Bucs in debt?

Report: Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, Tampa Bay Buccaneers have $1.6B in debt.

What did Glazers pay for the Buccaneers?

$192 millionGlazer purchased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League (NFL) franchise on January 16, 1995, following the death of former owner Hugh Culverhouse. He paid $192 million, a league record at that time.

When was Tampa founded?

July 15, 1887 - City of Tampa organizes under special act of the Florida Legislature abolishing the governments of the Town of Tampa and Town of North Tampa and establishing the charter for the City of Tampa.

Are there alligators in Tampa Bay?

Word has it you'll hardly hear of a place in Florida where you won't find alligators. They're so common in Tampa Bay and other locations that the state tells people how to live with them.

Why is Tampa so popular?

This city is the largest in Hillsborough county and 3rd most populated city in Florida. With approximately 400,000 residents, Tampa is among the most populous Florida areas. Tampa is famous for its affordability since it has no income tax and fantastic sunny weather.

How did the Glazer family get rich?

The Glazer clan built a commercial real estate fortune through First Allied Corporation, which today owns more than 6.7 million square feet of premium shopping center space across the U.S. What made the Glazers better known, though, was their ownership of sports teams.

When did the Buccaneers join the NFL?

The Buccaneers joined the NFL as members of the AFC West in 1976. The following year, they were moved to the NFC Central, while the other 1976 expansion team, the Seattle Seahawks, switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined the AFC West. This realignment was dictated by the league as part of the 1976 expansion plan, ...

What was the season of the 1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The 1997 season: Back to the playoffs. Main article: 1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season. Everything finally came together in 1997. The team started the season 5–0, picking up where they left off the previous year, and this quick start once again landed them on the cover of Sports Illustrated —not once, but twice.

How much did Doug Williams make in 1982?

Doug Williams was the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL during the 1982 season, and his salary of $120,000 was less than several backups. At the end of the season, Williams asked for a raise to $600,000 per season—a reasonable sum at that time, given Williams’ past performance and his market value.

How many wins did the Buccaneers have in 1980?

Injuries plagued the team again in 1980, and the Bucs were limited to five wins, ten losses, and one tie against the also injury-plagued Packers .

What year did the Buccaneers go 0-3?

The 1982 season started just as poorly, as the Buccaneers went 0–3 before a players’ strike shut down the NFL for seven weeks. When the league resumed play, the Bucs were nicknamed the “Cardiac Kids” for winning five of their next six games all in the final moments to go 5–4 and qualify for the expanded playoff slate.

How many NFL teams were there in 1970?

Expansion of the National Football League to twenty-eight teams was an agreed part of the AFL/NFL merger of 1970 and confirmed at the end of that season, but attempts to carry it out did not materialise until after the 1973 season, when it was announced that Tampa would be the first city to get an expansion franchise, at a cost of US$16 million (which even then was considered a “paltry” sum). Part of the reason for the delay was due to uncertainties in a few of the newly integrated teams’ stadiums due to new NFL capacity requirements; both the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots had stadiums inadequate for the NFL, so that Tampa interests unsuccessfully courted both teams to move to the Tampa Bay area. Once Rich and Schaefer Stadiums were built for the Bills and Patriots respectively, the league was stable enough to begin expanding.

What is the Buccaneers name?

A name-the-team contest resulted in the name “Buccaneers”, a reference to the pirates who frequented Florida's Gulf coast during the 17th century, and which was almost immediately shortened to the familiar “Bucs”. The team's first home was Tampa Stadium, which had recently been expanded to seat just over 72,000 fans.

How many seasons did Tiki Barber play for the Buccaneers?

While Tiki Barber spent his entire 10-year career with the New York Giants, identical twin brother Ronde played all 16 seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A third-round draft selection from the University of Virginia, Barber had 226 tackles, 9.5 sacks and six interceptions combined in his first four seasons. In 2001, he enjoyed a stellar campaign with career highs in picks (10) and passes defended (24) to obtain both Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors for the first time. Though he missed the league’s All-Star showcase in 2002, he still received All-Pro recognition during Tampa’s championship season. By 2012, Barber had five Pro Bowl selections (five All-Pros) and a Super Bowl victory on his resume. Alike Derrick Brooks, he was a tailor-made player for the famed “Tampa 2” defensive scheme with his abilities to control the perimeter and make timely tackles. Proficient at scoring off of takeaways, Barber’s 12 defensive touchdowns are the most ever by a Buccaneer. The former Cavalier is the only player in NFL history 45-plus interceptions and 25-plus sacks. His 224 consecutive starts, including playoffs, are the most in league history for a defensive back. Due to the heightened demand for the shutdown, press-coverage corners in today’s game with the exponential growth in both passing and “freak show” wide receivers, Barber’s professional career has gone somewhat uncelebrated in the media and fan discussions. Notwithstanding the lack of adoration, he put forth a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Currently top seven in franchise history for interceptions (1st, 47), defensive scores (1st, 12), passes defended (166), tackles (2nd, 1,231), forced fumbles (5th, 15) and sacks (8th, 28), Barber induction into the team’s Ring of Honor is soon approaching.

Who was the Buccaneers defensive coordinator in 1995?

Already claiming Warren Sapp 12th overall in the 1995 NFL draft, the Buccaneers claimed Derrick Brooks later in the first round. Finishing an embellished collegiate career at Florida State, Brooks instantaneously became the leader of the team’s historically-great defensive run from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Starting 13 out of 16 games in his rookie season, he compiled 79 tackles and two forced fumbles. After posting a career-high 133 tackles in 1996, the former Seminole broke out with 145 tackles and two interceptions on the way to his first Pro Bowl. Making his second trip to the NFL’s All-Star game in 1998, a 154-tackle, four-interception campaign earned his first All-Pro designation in 1999. Entering the 2002 season, head coach Jon Gruden challenged his defense to create turnovers and score touchdowns off of them. Brooks responded with personal bests in picks (five) and defensive touchdowns (four) to win Defensive Player of the Year. Thanks to his efforts, scoring points off of takeaways was a pivotal trademark of Tampa’s Super Bowl-claiming team. After his 1995 rookie year, Brooks started every single contest for the Buccaneers from 1996 to the end of his career in 2008. The outstanding linebacker secured 11 Pro Bowl selections (nine All-Pro honors), tied for the second most for his position all time. Adept at covering against the pass and making open-field stops, he was a seamless fit in the team’s famed “Tampa 2” defensive scheme organized by former coach Tony Dungy. Earning his way onto the 2000s All-Decade team, Brooks established himself as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. An even better man off the field, he was the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2000 for his influence on people and their communities. Getting his number 55 jersey retired, he is currently in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. Ranking first in team history for tackles, forced fumbles, Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro tabs, the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee is the greatest player in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise.

What year did Warren Sapp play for the Buccaneers?

The peak of the Buccaneers franchise from the late 1990s to early 2000s was compiled in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. The team selected Derrick Brooks with the 28th pick, but not before grabbing Warren Sapp at number 12 overall. Putting forth an immensely-decorative collegiate career at the University of Miami, Sapp was even better professionally. Posting 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in his first two seasons combined, Sapp amassed 10.5 takedowns and three forced fumbles in 1997 to reach his first Pro Bowl. Two years later, the former Hurricane won Defensive Player of the Year after setting career highs in sacks (12.5) and forced fumbles (four). In 2000, he reset his personal best in takedowns with 16.5. Had it not been for Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, Sapp would’ve easily repeated with DPOY honors. Playing his last down for Tampa in 2003, Sapp finished the tenure with seven Pro Bowl selections (1997-2003), six All-Pro nods (1997-2002) and 77 sacks, the second most in franchise history behind Lee Roy Selmon’s unofficial 78.5-takedown mark. The 100 career NFL sacks he amassed (playoffs included) are the second-most in league history for a defensive tackle, which is extremely uncommon for a position that is traditionally noted for eating up blocks to free up linebackers. Utilizing such rare speed for his size, Sapp’s relentlessness to corral quarterbacks outside of the pocket made him a unique talent. His loquaciousness and confrontational nature also made him a feared opponent. A member of both the 1990s and 2000s All-Decade teams, the 2013 Hall of Famer inductee got his number 99 jersey by the team.

What was John Lynch's career?

Before Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp and Ronde Barber entered the league, John Lynch was the first member of the franchise’s “Tampa 2” quartet. Drafted 82nd overall in the 1993 NFL draft, Lynch started a combined 10 games in his first three seasons. Starting 14 of 16 games in 1996, he had 103 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack. The next season, he set a career high in tackles (109) to go along with two picks and two fumble recoveries. A personal best 117 stops in 1999 got the former Stanford star to both his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro nod. He continued his high-end productivity by making Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams the subsequent two campaigns. Though he missed the NFL’s All-Star game during Tampa Bay’s 2002 title year, he was yet named Second-team All-Pro. By the early 2000s, Lynch established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in football. Knocked for being too slow to play in a quick-paced NFL, he developed into one of the most feared, devastating hitters in league history. Whether it was hitting baseballs in college or hitting ballcarriers professionally, Lynch left forceful impacts on his recipients. Fifth in Bucs history in tackles (541), Lynch is now in the franchise’s Ring of Honor and soon to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Though it’s interesting to wonder how he would fare in today’s game given the rule changes to eliminate heightened physicality, it’s not hyperbolic to say that a five-time Pro Bowler for a franchise would adjust.

What position did Paul Gruber play for the Buccaneers?

Paul Gruber actually played left tackle for the Buccaneers, but the Donald Penn inclusion pushed him to the opposite side of this offensive line. Getting two All-Pro designations during his career (1991-1992), Gruber was one of the few bright spots on a consistently-poor franchise that posted 12-straight 10-loss seasons. When Tampa Bay did make the playoffs in 1999, Gruber missed time due to a broken leg, a catalyst for his retirement in the 2000 off-season. His 183 games started was a franchise record until Derrick Brooks broke it in 2007. A fixture for the team’s offensive line for over a decade, Gruber became the fourth person inducted into the Bucs Ring of Honor in 2012.

When did Josh Bidwell sign with the Buccaneers?

Spending the first five seasons of his career for the Green Bay Packers, Josh Bidwell signed a three-year contract with the Buccaneers in 2004. Achieving career highs for punts (90), punt yards (4,101) and yards per punt average (45.6) in 2005, Bidwell earned his first and only career Pro Bowl selection. Released by Tampa in early 2010, he finished his tenure as the team’s all-time leader in punts (419), punt yardage (18,426) and yards per punt average (44.0). Being the franchise’s lone Pro Bowl punter, Bidwell’s inclusion on the All-Franchise was a shoo-in.

Who had the first kickoff return?

Michael Spurlock did have the first kickoff-returned touchdown in franchise history in 2007, but that wasn’t enough to unseat Karl Williams for this final spot on the Buccaneers All-Franchise team. Brought in by Tony Dungy as an undrafted free agent in 1996, Williams posted 274 punt return yards and a touchdown as a rookie. The following season, he posted a career-best 597 punt return yards and another score. From 2000-2002, Williams tallied at least 285 punt return yards and one touchdown each year. Fifteen years removed from his time in Tampa, he’s the Buccaneers’ all-time leader in punt return yards (2,279) and combined return touchdowns (five).

Who was the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

February 20, 1919 – August 26, 1994: Culverhouse was the longtime owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from opening season. He was a successful tax lawyer, and his real estate investments made him one of the nation's wealthiest men. His work brought him into contact with National Football League team owners, and his failed purchase of the Los Angeles Rams placed him in line to become the owner of the fledgling Buccaneer franchise. He owned the team from its inception until his death.

Why did Culverhouse buy the Buccaneers?

He admitted to being known for his frugality, due to moves such as wearing outdated clothing, and having the One Buc Place walls painted white to avoid having to spend money on projection screens. This was not initially a problem for the franchise, even though the budget airplane that Culverhouse chartered for the team almost crashed after their very first game; original coach John McKay reported in 1978 that Culverhouse had never blocked any deals, even those involving a great amount of money. Later, however, the team let go or traded away many of its players who were highly paid and/or demanded more money, including Dave Pear, Doug Williams, Ricky Reynolds, Reggie Cobb, Mark Carrier, and Jeris White. First-round draft choices were frequently traded for players who were not considered to be of equal value, as when the team traded for often-injured defensive end Wally Chambers without requiring that he first pass a physical examination. Frustration over being beaten by players he had pleaded with Culverhouse to sign contributed to the resignation of McKay. He also fired well-regarded personnel director Ken Herock, when Herock demanded to be paid in line with his value around the league.

How many playoffs have the Buccaneers won?

The Buccaneers have posted 154 regular season wins and five playoff wins with seven playoff appearances under Glazer’s leadership. That unprecedented level of success paints a stark contrast to the meager .300 winning percentage posted by the team prior to Glazer family ownership and included advancement to the postseason just three times from 1976-94.

When did Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl?

Glazer and his entire family were on hand as Tampa Bay claimed its first NFL title with a 48-21 victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003, in San Diego. The Buccaneers, who were making their first appearance in the NFL’s championship game, also claimed the first-ever NFC South title in 2002, then the fourth division crown in team history. Tampa Bay also took NFC South titles in 2005 and 2007.

When did the Glazer Children's Museum open in Tampa?

A new way for children to become lifelong learners and leaders, the Children’s Museum opened on September 25th, 2010. This one-of-a-kind museum instantly became the featured destination for children and families in Tampa Bay, providing 53,000-square feet of space for safe and playful learning.

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Overview

New ownership, Tony Dungy, and a return to contention (1996–2001)

Despite the profitability of the Buccaneers in the 1980s, Culverhouse's death revealed a team close to bankruptcy, which surprised many observers. His son, Miami attorney Hugh Culverhouse, Jr., practically forced the trustees of his father's estate to sell the team, which cast doubt on the future of the Buccaneers in Tampa. Interested parties included New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, the latter of whom publicly declared he …

Origins

Expansion of the National Football League to twenty-eight teams was an agreed part of the AFL/NFL merger of 1970 and confirmed at the end of that season, but attempts to carry it out did not materialise until after the 1973 season, when it was announced that Tampa would be the first city to get an expansion franchise, at a cost of US$16 million (which even then was considered a “paltry” sum). Part of the reason for the delay was due to uncertainties in a few of the newly inte…

John McKay and early frustration (1976–1978)

The Buccaneers joined the NFL as members of the AFC West in 1976. The following year, they were moved to the NFC Central, while the other 1976 expansion team, the Seattle Seahawks, switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined the AFC West. This realignment was dictated by the league as part of the 1976 expansion plan, so that both teams could play each other twice and every other NFL franchise once during their first two seasons.

A brief period of success (1979–1982)

The Bucs’ situation improved rapidly in 1979. With the maturation of quarterback Doug Williams, the first 1,000-yard rushing season from running back Ricky Bell, and a smothering, league-leading defense led by future NFL Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon, the Bucs kicked off the season with five consecutive victories, a stunning performance that landed them on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The worst team in the league (1983–1996)

Doug Williams was the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL during the 1982 season, and his salary of $120,000 was less than several backups. At the end of the season, Williams asked for a raise to $600,000 per season—a reasonable sum at that time, given Williams’ past performance and his market value. However, Culverhouse would not offer more than $400,000 despite McKay's protests. Feeling that Culverhouse was unwilling to pay him a salary befitting hi…

Jon Gruden, the Super Bowl, and beyond (2002–2008)

Dungy was soon hired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, while the Bucs mounted a prolonged and much-maligned search for his replacement. Several potential candidates were offered the job, including University of Florida head coach Steve Spurrier, Bill Parcells and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis. Spurrier jumped to the Redskins when he was offered the most lucrative salary package ever offered to an NFL head coach, and Parcells eventually pa…

A Coaching Carousel and Out of the Playoffs (2009-2018)

Although the 2008 season was a disappointment, 2009 would prove a disaster for the Buccaneers. The team lost seven consecutive matches, including an international series game with New England in London. Finally, in Week 9, the team donned its orange-and-white throwback uniforms and hosted the Packers. Green Bay was struggling with a weak O-line, and the Buccaneers swept to vict…

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