Editing Super Bowl XXXVII (section)

==Background==
===Host selection process===
NFL owners originally voted to award Super Bowl XXXVII to [[San Francisco]] during their October 15, 1997 meeting in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="theten10-16-1997pg28">{{cite news|title=Houston needs news stadium to satisfy NFL|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean/152394864/|newspaper=The Tennessean|first=Jeff|last=Legwold|page=28|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=October 16, 1997|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> The [[San Francisco 49ers|49ers]] had recently announced plans for a [[Levi's Stadium#The 1997 plan|new stadium]], and were awarded the Super Bowl contingent upon its completion. This was the second time the city had been awarded the Super Bowl on a conditional basis. In 1994, [[Super Bowl XXXIII]] was awarded to [[Candlestick Park]], based on a comprehensive stadium renovation plan.<ref name="SBee11-03-1994pg14">{{cite news|title='Stick gets 1999 Super Bowl (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee/152262274/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|first=John|last=Schumacher|page=14|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 3, 1994|access-date=July 29, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="SBee11-03-1994pg21">{{cite news|title='Stick gets 1999 Super Bowl (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee/152262549/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|first=John|last=Schumacher|page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 3, 1994|access-date=July 29, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> However, when funding for those renovation plans fell through, the hosting duties were withdrawn. This time around, the San Francisco hosting committee had planned to pursue [[Super Bowl XXXVI|XXXVI]], but due to logistical complications, switched their proposal to XXXVII. The owners awarded the game to San Francisco, and no other cities were considered. They skipped the awarding of [[Super Bowl XXXVI|XXXVI]], and scheduled the bidding for that game for the spring of 1998.<ref name="sfex10-16-1997pg18">{{cite news|title=2003 looking Super for S.F. tourism|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner/152394660/|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner|first1=Gregory|last1=Lewis|first2=John|last2=Crumpacker|first3=Eric|last3=Brazil|page=18|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=October 16, 1997|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref>

The plans for the new stadium and mall at [[Candlestick Point State Recreation Area|Candlestick Point]] never materialized. Rumors quickly began to spread that the league would pull the game from San Francisco if no progress was made on stadium funding/construction.<ref name="ncti01-30-1999pg1">{{cite news|title=SD could score 2003 Super Bowl is San Francisco fumbles (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/152397602/|newspaper=North County Times|first=Jay|last=Paris|page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=January 30, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="ncti01-30-1999pg9">{{cite news|title=SD could score 2003 Super Bowl is San Francisco fumbles (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/152397736/|newspaper=North County Times|first=Jay|last=Paris|page=9|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=January 30, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> Like they attempted to do three years earlier for [[Super Bowl XXXIII|XXXIII]], the [[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]] once again stepped in, offering to move the game over to [[Oakland, California|Oakland]].<ref name="sacbee04-02-1998pg34">{{cite news|title=Raiders are ready to step in|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee/152397030/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|page=34|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 2, 1998|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> Oakland [[List of mayors of Oakland, California|mayor]] [[Jerry Brown]] put his support behind the effort, but it was rejected by league officials.<ref name="oakt03-16-1999pg27">{{cite news|title=NFL ready to ax S.F. Super Bowl (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune/152398116/|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|first=Kevin|last=Lynch|page=27|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 16, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="oakt03-16-1999pg30">{{cite news|title=NFL ready to ax S.F. Super Bowl (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune/152398266/|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|first=Kevin|last=Lynch|page=30|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 16, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> On March 17, 1999, the league passed a resolution officially withdrawing the game from San Francisco.<ref name="Sacbee03-18-1999pg29">{{cite news|title=NFL makes it official: S.F. loses Super Bowl|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee/152396745/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|page=29|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 18, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref>

The NFL immediately reopened the bidding for the game. [[San Diego]] ([[San Diego Stadium|Qualcomm Stadium]]), which had lost out on [[Super Bowl XXXVI|XXXVI]],<ref>{{cite news|title=New Orleans to host 2002 Super Bowl|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-PoaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6905,4443000&dq=super-bowl+site+new-orleans&hl=en|newspaper=[[The Daily News (Kentucky)|Daily News]]|page=8|via=Google News|date=October 29, 1998|access-date=January 24, 2017}}{{Open access}}</ref> announced its interest. [[Miami]] ([[Hard Rock Stadium|Pro Player Stadium]]) was the only other city in consideration after Oakland dropped their plan once and for all.<ref name="sacbee05-09-1999pg35">{{cite news|title=Bowl by the Bay? No way|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee/152400056/|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|first=Jim|last=Jenkins|page=35|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 9, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> San Diego went in as an early favorite. They had just received "rave reviews" for [[Super Bowl XXXII|XXXII]], and there was a desire to keep the game on the west coast.<ref name="ncti01-30-1999pg1"/><ref name="ncti01-30-1999pg9"/> San Diego was awarded the game during the May 26, 1999, owners meeting at [[Atlanta]],<ref name="OS05-27-1999">{{cite news|title=NFL – Owners Meeting|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8539127//|newspaper=[[The Orlando Sentinel]]|page=38|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 27, 1999|access-date=January 24, 2017}}{{Open access}}</ref> needing only one round of balloting.<ref name="nctim05-27-1999pg1">{{cite news|title=Super Bowl will return to San Diego (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/152399400/|newspaper=North County Times|first=Jay|last=Paris|page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 27, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="nctim05-27-1999pg9">{{cite news|title=Super Bowl will return to San Diego (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times/152399504/|newspaper=North County Times|first=Jay|last=Paris|page=9|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=May 27, 1999|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> It was the last Super Bowl played in California until [[Super Bowl 50]] at [[Levi's Stadium]] in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]]. It was also the final Super Bowl at [[Qualcomm Stadium]] before the [[Los Angeles Chargers|Chargers]] relocated to Los Angeles in 2017, and before the facility was demolished in 2020.

===Oakland Raiders===
{{further|2002 Oakland Raiders season}}

[[Oakland Raiders]] owner [[Al Davis]] was known to have the lowest salaries for coaches in the league, and head coach [[Jon Gruden]] was no exception. Instead of paying a high salary for Gruden, Davis opted to trade the rights for Gruden to the Buccaneers in exchange for four [[NFL Draft|draft picks]]. The Buccaneers ended up giving two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $8 million to the Raiders to get Gruden.

As a result of Gruden's departure, Raiders offensive coordinator [[Bill Callahan (American football coach)|Bill Callahan]] was promoted to head coach. Despite the loss of Gruden in 2002, the Raiders still managed to earn a share of the AFC's best record at 11–5. The offense led the league in total passing yards (4,689) and ranked second in total yards gained (6,451).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Raiders quarterback [[Rich Gannon]] had an MVP season, completing 418 out of 618 passes for 4,689 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AP NFL Most Valuable Player Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-nfl-mvp-award.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 418 completions and his 10 games with over 300 passing yards were both NFL records.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Single-Season Passes Completed Leaders Through 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_season_2002.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He also ran 50 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rich Gannon 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GannRi00/gamelog/2002/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Jerry Rice]], who was already the NFL's all-time leader in nearly every receiving record after 17 seasons, had a Pro Bowl season for the 13th time in his career 1,211 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerry Rice 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RiceJe00/gamelog/2002/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Gannon's other weapons in passing game were 15-year veteran receiver [[Tim Brown (American football)|Tim Brown]] (930 yards and two touchdowns) and young receiver [[Jerry Porter (American football)|Jerry Porter]] (688 yards and nine touchdowns). Multi-talented running back [[Charlie Garner]] was the team's leading rusher with 962 yards and seven touchdowns, while also leading all NFL running backs in receiving with 91 receptions for 941 yards and another four touchdowns. Running back [[Tyrone Wheatley]] was also a contributor with 419 rushing yards, while fullback [[Zack Crockett]] provided both of them with solid blocking and scored eight touchdowns. Up front, their offensive line was led by two Pro Bowlers, guard [[Lincoln Kennedy]] and center [[Barret Robbins]].

The Raiders' weakness was primarily on their defense, which ranked 25th in the league in passing yards allowed (3,787) and 12th in total yards (5,240).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/opp.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Veteran [[Pro Bowl]] safety [[Rod Woodson]] recorded a league-leading eight interceptions including two touchdowns. Up front, their line was anchored by defensive tackle [[Rod Coleman (American football)|Rod Coleman]], who led the team with 11 sacks. Behind him, the team had a solid veteran linebacker, [[Bill Romanowski]], who was playing in his fifth Super Bowl. Defensive back [[Tory James]] was also a big contributor with four interceptions.

===Tampa Bay Buccaneers===
{{further|2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season}}

Gruden had trouble getting the offense in sync during his first year as Tampa Bay's head coach. In 2002, the Buccaneers ranked 25th in the league in total yards gained (5,222). Quarterback [[Brad Johnson (American football)|Brad Johnson]] made the Pro Bowl, completing 281 out of 451 passes for 3,049 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brad Johnson 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnBr00/gamelog/2002/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/probowl.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Running back [[Michael Pittman Sr.|Michael Pittman]] led the team in rushing with 718 yards and one touchdown, and added 477 receiving yards. Pro Bowl fullback [[Mike Alstott]] had 548 rushing yards and five touchdowns, and also had 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver [[Keyshawn Johnson]] led the team with 1,088 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while wide receiver [[Keenan McCardell]] had 670 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

The Buccaneers' defense was still the strength of the team, leading the NFL in total defense (252.8 yards per game), pass defense (155.6 yards per game), points allowed (12.3 points per game), passing touchdowns allowed (10), interceptions (31), and opponent passer rating (48.4). Brooks, Lynch, Sapp, and defensive end [[Simeon Rice]] all had Pro Bowl years. Brooks led the team with 87 tackles and excelled at pass coverage, recording five interceptions and four total touchdowns (an NFL record for a linebacker). The defense as a whole had nine total touchdowns during the regular season and playoffs. Rice led the team with 15.5 sacks. Sapp recorded 7.5 sacks and two interceptions. Cornerback [[Brian Kelly (cornerback)|Brian Kelly]] was also a big asset, leading the team with eight interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2002.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Playoffs===
{{further|2002–03 NFL playoffs}}

The second-seeded Buccaneers defeated the fourth-seeded [[2002 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], 31–6, and the top-seeded [[2002 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], 27–10, to make the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - January 12th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301120tam.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles - January 19th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301190phi.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Buccaneers defense was dominant in both games. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Raiders were victorious against the fourth-seeded [[2002 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], 30–10, and the second-seeded [[2002 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]], 41–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - New York Jets at Oakland Raiders - January 12th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301120rai.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders - January 19th, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301190rai.htm |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Raiders won against the Titans through Gannon's [[West Coast offense|pass-oriented offense]].

===Super Bowl pregame news===
The Raiders entered the game favored to win in their first Super Bowl in 19 years. They were also the first franchise to appear in the Super Bowl in four decades (1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s). However, much of the media hype surrounded the Gruden trade prior to the season. This forced league commissioner [[Paul Tagliabue]] to issue a statement that he might ban all future trades for coaches involving draft choices because it might compromise the draft.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stroud|first=Rick|title=NFL nixes draft picks for coaches|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2003/01/17/news_pf/Bucs/NFL_nixes_draft_picks.shtml|access-date=August 27, 2012|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=January 17, 2003}}</ref>

A distraction for the Raiders was that starting center [[Barret Robbins]] went missing for most of the day before the Super Bowl. Hours before the game, he was admitted to a San Diego hospital, then spent time in rehab at the [[Betty Ford Clinic]]. He was subsequently diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]]; it turned out that his disappearance was due to a [[manic episode]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/16/untold-super-bowl-barret-robbins-raiders|title=When Barret Robbins disappeared before Super Bowl|last=Taylor|first=Phil|newspaper=SI.com|access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref>  Robbins later said he had gone across the border and spent his missing time partying in [[Tijuana, Mexico]], so disoriented that he thought the Raiders had already won the game and he was celebrating the victory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/12/15/untold-super-bowl-barret-robbins-raiders|title = When Barret Robbins disappeared before Super Bowl}}</ref> Backup [[Adam Treu]] (a former [[Pro Bowl]]-er) replaced Robbins.

The Buccaneers, as the designated home team, wore red jerseys and pewter pants. The kit is normally used at home for the second half of the season; the Buccaneers wear white at home during the first half due to the late summer-early autumn heat. The Raiders donned white jerseys with silver pants, the same combination they wore in Super Bowls [[Super Bowl XI|XI]] and [[Super Bowl XV|XV]] (both victories).