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.

The Buccaneers, the name itself, has historic sentiment to Tampa Bay. The originating owner, of the Buccaneers, was a man by the name of Tom McCloskey. He did not stay around for long as he was unable to stabilize the team, financially that is. This left room for Hugh Culverhouse to come in and get the team on its feet and away from bankruptcy.

After many tribulations, the Buccaneers fill a stadium that seats over 70,000 people – Tampa Stadium. Nearly every home game is a sell-out, and they are known for making record sales every year. There are two other professional football teams in Florida; therefore, it has been a bit of a shock that a third could be supported.

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.

They were such a success that Sports Illustrated approached the team about being a featured cover story for the magazine. Fans began to get so rowdy, with excitement, which the goal posts had to be greased in order to keep them from toppling over. As the Buccaneers beat the Chiefs, the field was covered with fans. The team was on a streak, which continued into the Central Division title.

The season of 1996 was another story. The team, in spite of record ticket and merchandise sales, was near bankruptcy, it was time to say goodbye to Culverhouse. This; however, was an opportunity in disguise. Malcolm Glazer had his eyes on the team and was ready to purchase them for $192-million. He and his family were now determined to turn the team around and make them profitable.

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!