Not only am I a sports fan, but I am also a fan of the threads associated with a given team. Some franchises hit a homerun that never needs to be changed (Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints) while other teams have had a hard time finding a look that suits them best (Jacksonville Jaguars, L.A Rams, Washington Football Team). All these logo rebrandings can be quite confusing for fans, especially when it’s done just a couple of years apart.
This led to me thinking about all the different jerseys the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have worn since their inception into the NFL in 1976. With that, I decided that today’s post would be dedicated to rating the Buccaneer’s uniforms over the years from worst to best. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Worst – 2014-2020 Jerseys
I don’t know about you, but these jerseys never really sat right with me. I mean first of all the grey shoulders just ask the question of “why?”. Second, the numbers that look like they belong on my alarm clock are just very unsettling. There is so much wrong with this jersey, it’s no surprise that the Bucs had some of their worst years while wearing them.
Decent – Current Jerseys
Moving up the list we have the jerseys that are currently being worn by our beloved Buccaneers. When Tom Brady chose to sign with Tampa Bay in 2020, it seems the franchise knew it was also time to spruce up their jerseys as well; to ring in the new era that was coming. There is so much to like about this new jersey; the upgraded (and balanced) color scheme, the new numbers, and just the overall look of them.
This led to the implementation of a color scheme that I feel works much better than the ones they previously had. Although they could be worked on, these jerseys definitely aren’t the worst ones in the NFL (the red uniform is my personal favorite). The team has also won a Super Bowl in these jerseys, so it would be smart to keep them around for the time being.
Awesome – 1997-2013 Jerseys
For anyone who was wondering, these are the jerseys that the Bucs wore to win their ever Super Bowl in 2002. I’m not sure if it is just nostalgia that makes me adore these threads so much, but overall they just look like absolute classics. I mean, when you think about all the legends who have worn this jersey; Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Keyshawn Johnson, Ronde Barber; it would be hard not to fall in love with this jersey.
This jersey ultimately reminds me of the most successful Bucs teams in the late 90s and early 2000s. After years of struggling for NFL relevancy, the Bucs started becoming dominant, all while wearing these jerseys. These jerseys signaled a new hope in Tampa Bay; a hope that ultimately culminated in a 2002 Super Bowl win.
Classic – Creamsicle Jerseys
I might be the outlier in this case, but I personally love the classic Buccaneer jerseys. Although I I’m not a fan of the taste of creamsicles (orange and vanilla ice cream just don’t jive), I must say I do love the way it looks on NFL jerseys. This infatuation could also be associated with my love for things from the 70s.
What I love even more about these jerseys is the original logo they used (the pirate). It just screams “created in the 70s” and that is good enough for me. Although they had absolutely no success in these jerseys, I do think they should bring them back as alternate uniforms.
What do you think about my selections? How would you go about your ranking? Let me know in the comments below!