The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the newer NFL franchises around; they have only been a franchise since 1976. Their career began as a member of the AFC Western Division, then quickly over to the NFC Southern Division. Residents were so thrilled to have their own pro football team that, even in their first season, season tickets were a sell-out. After many years of hard work, the Buccaneers finally brought home a Super Bowl win in 2002. Fans anticipate the same kind of year in ’09.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only been around for 33 years. They have experienced some major changes, some within the first couple of years of play. After only one year in the AFC Western Division, the team was moved to the NFC Southern division. The move took place to allow the team to play the Seahawks twice in a season, and other NFL teams once. This contract was to last for two years.

Tom McCloskey was the original Buccaneers owner but was unable to stabilize – financially – the organization. This downfall put the team into the hands of Hugh Culverhouse. The Tampa Bay team was named after an annual festival held in Florida and holds the states legendary spirit.

The Buccaneers have experienced their share of rough patches. However, their stadium – Tampa Stadium – easily seats 73,000 fans, and is usually packed at home games. Surprisingly, with two other professional football teams in the state, the team has its own share of fans and manages to make record ticket sales.

In their first two years, the Buccaneers experienced an horrifying 26-streak loss; they lost every one of their scheduled games. Finally, in ’79, things began to look up for the team as the won five games in a row. This winning streak gave the team, and their fans, hope and ticket sales began to soar.

That same year they were the cover / feature story for Sports Illustrated magazine one month. It was also obvious that they were going to the playoffs for the first time in their short history. Immediately after their win against the Kansas City Chiefs, fans swarmed the field and no green could be seen. Fans continued to cheer for their Buccaneers as they went on to win the Central Division title.

The season of 1996 brought more hardship to the team. Culverhouse was “relieved” of his duties as the team, regardless of ticket sales, was near bankruptcy. Malcolm Glazer was able to purchase the team for over $190-million, saving them from disaster. He, and his family, have made it the mission to make the Buccaneers the winning team that they were soon to become.

In 2008 the Buccaneers were only 4 games away from the playoffs. However, Monte Kiffin – defensive coordinator – announced his move to Tennessee and that he would be leaving in December, not giving the team much time. This news was devastating, and the Buccaneers lost their chance at the playoffs. With all of this behind them, 2009 is expected to be an exceptional year for the team!

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