History of the Buccaneers’ Creamsicle Jerseys

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the most popular teams in the NFL in recent years, and their uniforms are a big part of their identity. Obviously, you can attribute the popularity to the signing of Tom Brady. However, the team’s most famous uniforms are the creamsicles.

These are widely considered one of the best NFL jerseys of all time and were worn from 1976 to 1997. However you feel about them, they certainly stand out and we now know they’ll be back in 2023.

Back in 1976, the creamsicles were introduced as the Buccaneers joined the NFL as an expansion team. The uniforms were designed by the team’s first head coach, John McKay. McKay wanted the uniforms to be unique and eye-catching, and he thought the creamsicles would do just that.

Needless to say, the creamsicles were an instant hit with fans. They were a departure from the traditional blue and white uniforms that most NFL teams wore, and they gave the Buccaneers a distinctive look. Overall, the uniforms also helped to create a sense of excitement around the team.

The Buccaneers wore the creamsicles for 22 seasons, and they made some of their most memorable plays in them. In 1979, the Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl, wearing their creamsicles. However, the team also made the playoffs six times while wearing the creamsicles.

The team featured orange, red, and white as its colors from 1976-96, and the creamsicle throwbacks with the Bucco Bruce helmets made a return each season from 2009-12 before the league implemented a one-helmet rule. After the NFL rescinded the rule in 2021, the Bucs sought to bring back the look.

Some of the notable Buccaneers players who wore the creamsicles were Hall of Famers DE Lee Roy Selmon, CB Ronde Barber, DT Warren Sapp, and DE Simeon Rice.

Red and Pewter Jerseys

In 1997, the Buccaneers changed their uniforms to a more traditional look. The new uniforms were black and red, and they were designed to make the team look more intimidating. However, many fans still preferred the creamsicles, and they were disappointed when the team retired them.

Back in 2014, we saw the Buccaneers change over to arguably the worst NFL jerseys of all time. These were the “alarm clock” jerseys, as you can see Jameis Winston wearing above. Thankfully, they were scrapped fairly quickly and the Bucs returned to the traditional red and pewter jerseys back in 2020 with the addition of Tom Brady.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to bring back the creamsicles. In 2017, the Buccaneers wore the creamsicles for a throwback game against the Detroit Lions. Needless to say, the game was a sellout, and the fans loved seeing the team in their old uniforms.

Creamsicle Jerseys Return for 2023

This year, we’ll see the return of the legendary creamsicle jerseys for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 6 of the 2023 season, the Buccaneers will host the Detroit Lions. This game is set to kick off at 1:00 PM EST on FOX, and the Bucs will be wearing their creamsicle jerseys. You can check out the full 2023 NFL season schedule here.

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