Editing Tampa Bay Buccaneers (section)

===== Super Bowl XXXVII champions (2002) =====
[[File:Tampabaybucs2002flag.JPG|thumb|The Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII champions flag]]
Led by the league's top defense, the [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002 season]] was the Buccaneers' most successful to date. Linebacker Derrick Brooks was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year with a tendency to make big plays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Derrick-Brooks|title=Derrick Brooks – American football player|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215133526/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Derrick-Brooks|url-status=live}}</ref> They won the NFC South title with the team's best ever record, 12–4, and scored more points in two playoff wins over the 49ers and Eagles than in Bucs playoff history combined. The [[Philadelphia Eagles]] were a thorn in Tampa Bay's side, having eliminated the Bucs in each of the last two seasons' wild card games. Tampa Bay entered the game as heavy underdogs and fell behind early. However, the Bucs persevered and took a ten-point lead into the fourth quarter. [[Ronde Barber]] sealed the win in dramatic fashion with a late interception return for a touchdown, and a 27–10 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Happy 15th anniversary to the greatest play in Bucs history: Ronde Barber shuts down the Vet |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/01/19/happy-15th-anniversary-to-the-greatest-play-in-bucs-history-ronde-barber-shuts-down-the-vet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206083429/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/01/19/happy-15th-anniversary-to-the-greatest-play-in-bucs-history-ronde-barber-shuts-down-the-vet/ |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> The Bucs then went on to rout Gruden's former team, the Raiders, who had the league's number one offense, by a score of 48–21 in [[Super Bowl XXXVII]], nicknamed 'The Pirate Bowl'.<ref name="d291">{{cite web | last=Olney | first=Buster | title=Buccaneers Dominate Raiders to Win Super Bowl | website=The New York Times | date=2003-01-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/27/sports/buccaneers-dominate-raiders-to-win-super-bowl.html | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

Soon after the Super Bowl victory, a growing number of press reports indicated Gruden's lack of patience with general manager McKay, a major architect of the Bucs' rebuilding effort over the previous ten years. McKay, like Gruden, had long-established ties to the [[Tampa Bay area]]. However, during the [[2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2003 season]], the Gruden-McKay relationship deteriorated as the Bucs struggled on the field. In November, [[Keyshawn Johnson]] was deactivated by the team ten games into the season for his conduct, which included sideline arguments with Bucs coaches and players.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/11/20/spurrier-will-call-plays-jackson-will-help/0fe1807d-9864-41ee-bb68-5f6b48b40848/ct=on |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094821/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/11/20/spurrier-will-call-plays-jackson-will-help/0fe1807d-9864-41ee-bb68-5f6b48b40848/ |access-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |title=Spurrier Will Call Plays, Jackson Will Help – the Washington Post }}</ref> Johnson was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys for wide receiver [[Joey Galloway]], who later in his career played for the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Redskins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paolantonio |first=Sal  |date=April 5, 2004 |title=Paolantonio: Out with the old ... |url=http://www.espn.in/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=1776011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412091759/http://www.espn.in/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=1776011 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref>

In December, the Glazers allowed McKay to leave the Bucs before the end of the regular season, and he promptly joined the Falcons as president and general manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Dwight  |date=December 21, 2003 |title=McKay leaves town a Falcon |url=https://www.ocala.com/article/20031221/News/604239220 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Ocala.com}}</ref> Thus, McKay watched his first game as a Falcons executive sitting next to owner [[Arthur Blank]] in a Raymond James Stadium skybox. The Falcons defeated the Bucs 30–28. The Bucs suffered a sluggish start and finished the season 7–9. With the Raiders' dismal 4–12 performance, neither Super Bowl team reached the playoffs that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

For 2004, [[Bruce Allen (American football)|Bruce Allen]] was hired as general manager.<ref name="q403">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press | title=Buccaneers Hire Allen as Their GM | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2004-01-10 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jan-10-sp-nflrep10-story.html | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> After Allen's arrival, both John Lynch and Warren Sapp were released, stunning many Buccaneer fans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2004 |title=Lynch leaves Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1756924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412064835/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1756924 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The distracted Buccaneers began the [[2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2004 season]] with a 1–5 record, their worst start under Gruden. The fading accuracy of [[placekicker|kicker]] [[Martín Gramática]] did not help matters, as the team lost many close games en route to a 5–11 record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2004 |title=Buccaneers release kicker Gramatica |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-12-01-0412010365-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174353/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-12-01-0412010365-story.html |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

In the [[2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2005 season]], the Buccaneers celebrated their 30th season in the league, and returned to their winning ways. The Bucs selected [[Cadillac Williams|Carnell "Cadillac" Williams]] in the first round of the 2005 draft, and the rookie would provide a running game the Buccaneers had not possessed since the days of [[James Wilder Sr.]] in the 1980s. Williams would later go on to receive the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2279923|title=Top NFL rookies: RB Williams|date=January 4, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072705/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2279923|url-status=live}}</ref>  After starting 5–1, the team entered a midseason slump hampered by a season-ending injury to starting QB [[Brian Griese]]. Replacement starter [[Chris Simms]] struggled early,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len  |date=March 11, 2006 |title=Bucs release Griese, but may re-sign the QB soon |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2363286 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412064913/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2363286 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> but came into his own, leading the team to a last-minute win over the Redskins. The Bucs won the NFC South Division finishing 11–5. The season ended abruptly, however, with a 17–10 loss in the Wild Card round, in a rematch with Washington that saw receiver [[Edell Shepherd]] drop the potential game-winning catch in the endzone.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carpenter|first=Les|title='I'll Hold It Tighter Next Time'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/07/AR2006010701504.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 8, 2006|access-date=March 21, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=March 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015213/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/07/AR2006010701504.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:President George W. Bush talks with members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.jpg|thumb|left|President [[George W. Bush]] visiting the Bucs at practice]]
After winning the division in 2005, the Bucs suffered through an abysmal [[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2006 season]]. The season was plagued by injuries, with starters such as guard [[Dan Buenning]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Buenning Latest Starter to IR|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buenning-latest-starter-to-ir-2187711|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224912/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buenning-latest-starter-to-ir-2187711|url-status=live}}</ref> wide receiver [[Michael Clayton (football player)|Michael Clayton]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2687441|title=Knee injury lands Bucs receiver Clayton on IR|date=December 5, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419202315/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2687441|url-status=live}}</ref> running back Cadillac Williams, defensive end [[Simeon Rice]], cornerback [[Brian Kelly (cornerback)|Brian Kelly]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Tampa-Bay-CB-Kelly-to-miss-rest-of-season/17151161799284/|title=Tampa Bay CB Kelly to miss rest of season|website=UPI|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224555/https://www.upi.com/Tampa-Bay-CB-Kelly-to-miss-rest-of-season/17151161799284/|url-status=live}}</ref> and quarterback Chris Simms all being placed on injured reserve at some point in the season.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2601555|title=Buccaneers QB Simms has spleen removed|date=September 25, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420012507/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2601555|url-status=live}}</ref> The season also saw a lot of rookies starting for the Bucs, such as quarterback [[Bruce Gradkowski]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2528695|title=Bucs sign sixth-round pick Gradkowski|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122457/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2528695|url-status=live}}</ref> tackle [[Jeremy Trueblood]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5180128|title=Starting tackle Trueblood signs Bucs' tender|date=May 11, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195616/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5180128|url-status=live}}</ref> and guard [[Davin Joseph]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-release-davin-joseph/2169324|title=Bucs release Davin Joseph|date=March 9, 2014|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420031535/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-release-davin-joseph/2169324|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:060818-F-5179R-172.jpg|thumb|Fan favorite fullback [[Mike Alstott]]]]
The Bucs started off the season 0–3, with Simms throwing one touchdown to 7 interceptions. In the third game of the season, a last-minute loss to the Panthers, Simms's [[spleen]] was ruptured, and he was placed on injured reserve for the balance of the season.<ref name="ESPN"/> After their bye week, the Bucs elected to start Gradkowski, a sixth-round pick from Toledo.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/wheres_bruce_gradkowski_catchi.html|title=Where's Bruce Gradkowski? Catching up with the Cleveland Browns starting quarterbacks since 1999|first1=Bill|last1=L|last2=is|last3=clevel|last4=.com|website=cleveland.com|date=July 19, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224739/https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/wheres_bruce_gradkowski_catchi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After nearly beating the Saints, Gradkowski led the team to last-minute wins over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] and Philadelphia Eagles. The success was short-lived, however, and the Bucs lost five of the next six games. [[Tim Rattay]] replaced Gradkowski as quarterback late in the season, and the team finished 4–12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2701389|title=Bucs to start Rattay at quarterback against Browns|date=December 18, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419202439/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2701389|url-status=live}}</ref> The aged defense, with 5 starters who had played there for a decade or more, was ranked 17th overall, the first time a Tampa defense was not ranked in the top ten since 1996.

After the disappointing 2006 season, the Buccaneers for the first time in several seasons had money to spend in free agency. They brought in quarterback [[Jeff Garcia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786694|title=Bucs trade for Plummer, who says he's retiring|date=March 3, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419200751/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786694|url-status=live}}</ref> offensive tackle [[Luke Petitgout]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2789931|title=Buccaneers find starting left tackle, add Petitgout|date=March 6, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> defensive end [[Kevin Carter (American football)|Kevin Carter]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Bucs Welcome Back Carter|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-welcome-back-carter-2187517|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=March 24, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224912/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-welcome-back-carter-2187517|url-status=live}}</ref> and linebacker [[Cato June]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2802252|title=Standout linebacker June headed to Tampa Bay|date=March 17, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195638/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2802252|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 28, 2007, the Buccaneers drafted [[Clemson University|Clemson]] defensive end [[Gaines Adams]] with the 4th overall pick in the [[2007 NFL draft|NFL draft]]. After the draft the Buccaneers picked up tight end [[Jerramy Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5722905|title=Buccaneers' Stevens arrested on drug charges|date=October 24, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420012502/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5722905|url-status=live}}</ref> and defensive tackle [[Ryan Sims]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5844099|title=Buccaneers release nine-year-veteran DT Sims|date=November 24, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195157/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5844099|url-status=live}}</ref>

The off-season changes resulted in the Buccaneers winning the NFC South title in the [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2007 season]], finishing with a 9–7 record, and the 4th seed in the conference. The division crown was the second one in three seasons under Gruden. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs held on January 6, 2008, the Buccaneers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants by a final score of 24–14.
[[File:20070916 Cato June's first interception as a Buccaneer.jpg|thumb|2007 was the last time the Buccaneers made the playoffs until 2020.]]

During the 2008 offseason, the Bucs re-signed head coach Gruden and general manager Allen through the 2011 season. They also acquired former players [[Warrick Dunn]], who had spent the last 6 seasons with the Falcons, and Brian Griese, who was the starting quarterback for the team in 2005 until a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Chris Simms was finally released, having not played in a game since his injury in 2006. The [[2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Bucs got off to a great start in 2008]], with a 9–3 record going into the final month of the season, tied for first place in the division, with a chance at the top seed in the conference. On December 2, it was announced that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin would be leaving the team after the season's end, for the same job at the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|University of Tennessee]], serving under his son [[Lane Kiffin]], who had just been named the new head coach at the school. After the announcement, the Buccaneers would lose their final four games of the season to finish 9–7 for the second consecutive season. Unlike 2007, it was not enough to secure the division championship, nor a playoff appearance.

[[Raheem Morris]] was named the replacement for Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator in December 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3792983|title=Bucs make Morris Kiffin's successor|date=December 25, 2008|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420125053/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3792983|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, after the huge collapse that ended the 2008 season, the Buccaneers fired Jon Gruden and swiftly elevated Morris to the head coach position.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 17, 2009|title=Buccaneers Hire Morris as Head Coach, Replacing Fired Gruden|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-01-17/buccaneers-hire-morris-as-head-coach-replacing-fired-gruden|access-date=February 4, 2019|website=Bloomberg.com|archive-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110000209/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-01-17/buccaneers-hire-morris-as-head-coach-replacing-fired-gruden|url-status=live}}</ref> Bruce Allen was also let go, with [[Mark Dominik]] named his successor as general manager. Several veterans were released including Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, and Jeff Garcia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3933807|title=Brooks, Dunn done in Tampa Bay|date=February 25, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420124909/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3933807|url-status=live}}</ref> The new staff traded for tight end [[Kellen Winslow Jr.]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4047667|title=Winslow signs largest TE deal in history|date=April 6, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420104457/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4047667|url-status=live}}</ref> signed quarterback [[Byron Leftwich]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062212|title=Buccaneers add veteran QB Leftwich|date=April 12, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420125112/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062212|url-status=live}}</ref> and drafted [[Josh Freeman]] with the 17th overall pick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4367944|title=QB Freeman signs deal with Tampa Bay|date=July 31, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420124933/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4367944|url-status=live}}</ref>