Shop our unbeatable selection of Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwback jerseys. Display the rich legacy of the sport with our collection, featuring custom-made vintage Buccaneers jerseys that celebrate their iconic past. Whether you're a die-hard Bucs fan or simply looking to wear a unique piece of NFL history, a retro Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey is perfect for capturing the essence of classic football style.
Throwback Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey History
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey has seen numerous transformations since the team’s founding in 1976, reflecting a rich legacy of legendary players and evolving styles. Their inaugural 1976 road jerseys, worn by icons like Steve Spurrier, Dewey Selmon, and John McKay, stood out with orange numbers accented by red trim—distinctive to that season alone.
By 1977, the road white jersey embraced a new look, showcasing red numbers framed by an orange outline. Meanwhile, in 1979, QB Doug Williams and running back Ricky Bell took the field in the vibrant home orange uniform, complete with white numbers, pants, and belt—further cementing the Bucs’ enduring place in NFL history.
A prominent Florida tax lawyer and broker, Hugh Culverhouse, was granted ownership of the National Football League's 27th franchise in 1974. He chose John McKay as the Buccaneers' first head coach in 1976. McKay had been a major success at the University of Southern California, winning four national titles in his 16 years there, and it was McKay who helped coordinate the Buccaneers' early success.
Breaking the Losing Streak
With a league record of 26 successive losses, Tampa Bay's first season was challenging. Ultimately, the Bucs broke their losing streak on December 11, 1977, when they defeated the New Orleans Saints 33-14 in New Orleans, led by quarterback Gary Huff.
The team ended the season on a high note by beating the Cardinals 17-7 at home, their first home victory of the season. Following a disappointing season in 1978, the Bucs finished 5-11 after being 4-4 through the year's first half. However, in '79, they were undefeated after their first five games.
In only their fourth season, Tampa Bay surprised the football world when they advanced to the 1979 NFC title game. The Buccaneers secured the NFC Central championship with a 3-0 win against Kansas City, then defeated Philadelphia 24-17 in the playoffs to get within one game of the Super Bowl. However, the Los Angeles Rams won the NFC title with a hard-fought 9-0 triumph.
Defensive Pillars and Offensive Leaders
An outstanding defense led by Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon was one of Tampa Bay's chief pillars of early success. He was the Buccaneers' first draft pick and the number one pick in the 1976 NFL Draft. Selmon was a member of the NFC Pro Bowl team six times during his nine-season career and was named the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The '79 Buccaneers were led offensively by quarterback Doug Williams and running back Ricky Bell, who rushed for 1,263 yards. Despite losing five of their final six games in the 1982 strike-shortened season, the Bucs qualified for the postseason for the third time in four seasons. However, Tampa Bay's season ended in a first-round playoff loss to Dallas.
Coaching Changes and Super Bowl Victories
Having coached the Buccaneers for nine years, McKay retired following the 1984 season. Ray Perkins, Tony Dungy, Richard Williamson, Leeman Bennett, and Sam Wyche have all coached Tampa Bay since McKay left.
The new-look Buccaneers, led by coach Jon Gruden, clinched their first NFL championship in 2003 with a convincing 48-21 victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. In 2021, led by Tom Brady, the Buccaneers captured their second Super Bowl championship by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9.
Find your favorite players like Lee Roy Selmon and Tom Brady in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey. Explore our range now and discover the perfect Buccaneers throwback jersey to make a bold statement. Get yours today!