Tom Brady. Rob Gronkowski. Warren Sapp. Keyshawn Johnson. Antonio Brown. These are all players who will go down in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history as the most memorable players to have suited up for the team. How about those players we may have forgotten suited up for the Bucs during their playing careers? Well, you’re in luck, as in this article we will be looking at a couple of players you may have forgotten about. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and refresh your memory.
Steve Young
Steve Young is famously known for taking over the San Francisco 49ers from Joe Montana, and leading them to three Superbowl, as well as capturing a SuperBowl MVP award. Do you remember that Young started his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? That’s right! Young was drafted by the Bucs the year the league held a supplemental draft for USFL and CFL players.
Young would spend two lackluster seasons in Tampa Bay, before being traded to the 49ers to become Joe Montana’s backup. During his time with the Buccaneers, Young would go 3-16 as a starter, throw for a mere 11 touchdowns, and complete only 55% of his passes. It’s safe to say he fared much better on a team anywhere other than Tampa Bay.
Dallas Clark
One of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets in Indianapolis was once a Buccaneer! Yes, after spending eight seasons with the Colts (one in which he captured a Super Bowl), Clark decided it was time to leave the mid-west for some sunshine in Tampa Bay. Although his best playing days were behind him, Clark was still able to contribute some decent numbers for the Buccaneers.
During his lone season in Tampa Bay Clark would end up with 47 receptions, leaving him with 435 receiving yards to go along with 4 touchdowns. After his lone season in Tampa, Clark would then play his final year with the Ravens, a year after they won the Super Bowl. He may have had some pitstops along the way, but in 2014, he signed a one-day contract with the Colts to retire a member of the team.
Aqib Talib
Talib is best known for his time with the Denver Broncos, after he, Von Miller, and Peyton Manning helped lead them to a Super Bowl in 2016. Talib was instrumental on that team, but do you remember where his whole career started? That’s right, it all started in Tampa Bay baby! Talib was drafted by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Entry Draft.
The Cleveland, Ohio native would go on to play four seasons for the Bucs, his best being in 2012 when he registered 6 interceptions, as well as 38 tackles. Although his best years were ahead of him in Denver, Talib still put up some decent numbers while a member of the Buccaneers.
Randall McDaniel
9-time All-Pro First Team. 12-time pro-bowler. Hall of Famer. Randall McDaniel has done it all in pro football, and he did all of it as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Wait…he also played on the season in Tampa Bay. Yes, after spending 12 seasons with the Vikings, McDaniel was cut for salary cap purposes. He still had a lot of play in him however and decided to sign a 3-year contract with the Buccaneers in the year 2000.
McDaniel would play parts of two seasons for the Buccaneers, and in his first season with the Bucs, he would become the oldest player with his first touchdown reception at 36 years and 282 days of age. This man has really done it all, and I’m glad the Bucs were able to experience his football prowess and mastery.
Am I forgetting anyone? If I am, let me know in the comments below!