On this date in 1974, the National Football League officially awarded a franchise to the city of Tampa. Later named the Buccaneers, they would join Seattle as the two expansion teams to start play in the 1976 season.
Fast forward to the U.S. bicentennial year. The Bucs made their offical debut on Sun., Sept. 12th, but dropped a 20-0 decision to the Oilers at the Houston Astrodome. Things didn't get better from there. In fact, the team became quite familiar with the numeral 0. In Week 2, they were shut out in their inaugural home game, losing 23-0 to San Diego. From there it was L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L. Nothing like an 0-14 record to start things off right.
In fact, the team didn't earn its first win until Dec. 11, 1977, when they beat New Orleans 33-14.
You can bet NFL Films got its fair share of bloopers from this struggling squad in orange.
I can't end this post without mentioning that under Coach John McKay, the Bucs would get to the playoffs in Year 4. On offense, QB Doug Williams and RB Ricky Bell paced a balanced attack, and on defense, the Selmon brothers (Lee Roy and Dewey) anchored a unit that allowed the fewest points in the league.
On Jan. 26, 2003, the foibles and fumbles of 1976 were long forgotten as the Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII, beating the Oakland Raiders, 48-21.
One last thing: Did you know that other cities considered for the two new franchises included Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Honolulu, Memphis and Phoenix? Funny how things change, huh? Today it's Los Angeles knocking on the door for a team.
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