2025 Historic Collapse
Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished with an 8-9 record
BUCCANEER FANS IN MUTINY, I TELL YE!
TAMPA, FLORIDA - RADER - Febuary 25, 2026, 3:07pm ET - Arrr… gather ‘round, ye scallywags, and let me tell ye of the most cursed voyage the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers ever sailed upon the treacherous seas of the NFC!
We set sail bold as Blackbeard himself, boastin’ a proud 6-2 start, with Quarterback Baker Mayfield firin’ cannonballs from his arm and the crew lookin’ ready to plunder the whole blasted division. The wind was at our backs! The treasure map pointed straight towards the treasure with the playoffs in view from the crow's nest!
AND THEN... THE STORM CAME. We finished 8-9. Eight and blasted nine! Missed the playoffs for the first time in five long years! A second-half shipwreck of legendary shame — a collapse so foul it’d make a cabin boy weep into his grog.
THE BUCCANEER FAITHFUL BE READYIN’ THE PLANK, I SWEAR IT!
They call it a “historic collapse.” An “absolute humiliation.” And by the beard of Captain Fear, they be right!
HERE BE THE CRIMES COMMITTED UPON OUR BELOVED SHIP:
- The Late-Season Shipwreck: We were sittin’ pretty atop the NFC South, huntin’ a fifth straight crown! Then what happens? Seven losses in our final nine battles! SEVEN! We handed the division treasure chest straight to the Carolina Panthers like a crew of landlubbers who forgot how to fire a cannon!
- Defense Like Soggy Sails: Our defense? Swiss cheese, I say! Holes everywhere! Opponents marched downfield like they owned the deck. The secondary couldn’t guard a treasure chest with a dozen cutlasses. Heads should roll in the defensive quarters!
- Offense Lost at Sea: A fiery start turned to cold ashes. Injuries struck like scurvy through the ranks — even mighty Mike Evans couldn’t reach 1,000 yards for the first time in his proud career! The cannons misfired, the play-calling drifted, and assistants were tossed overboard for their troubles.
- Captain Under Fire: Head coach Todd Bowles found himself standin’ on the plank, hearin’ whispers of the “hot seat.” No urgency. No late-game grit. When the pressure rose, we folded like a torn sail in a gale.
- The Curse of Injuries: Key playmakers fell one by one, leavin’ our ship undermanned and outgunned when the fiercest battles came.
And what stings the worst, me hearties? In seasons past, this crew fought tooth and nail to the bitter end. But this year? It felt like we didn’t go down swingin’. It felt like a few (INCLUDING FANS)… whimpered out.
"A LOST DECADE", some say. A collapse that’ll echo through the taverns of Tampa Bay for years to come.
BUT MARK ME WORDS — a true Buccaneer never stays sunk forever. We’ll patch the hull, reload the cannons, and come back hungry for vengeance.
This one be a wound that won’t soon heal.
ARRR… NOW LISTEN CLOSE, YE SALTY CREW — FOR EVEN AFTER A SHIPWRECK, A TRUE BUCCANEER SEARCHES THE HORIZON FOR FAIR WINDS! LETS REVIEW YE JOURNEY
DESPITE THE FOUL WINDS AND CURSED TIDES…
Aye, the season near sank us. The storms were brutal, the cannons misfired, and the crew limped to port battered and bruised. But mark me words — there be treasure still aboard this vessel.
The 2025 campaign tested our mettle, yet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain stacked with talent fit for plunderin’ championships.
THE OFFENSIVE WARSHIP BE STRONG IN THE TRENCHES
Victory in football, like piracy, starts in the trenches — and our line be stout as iron hull plating.
Anchored by mighty tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke — two bookend guardians of the treasure — this crew be under contract through 2029, holdin’ the edges like seasoned sea captains.
Inside, Cody Mauch and Graham Barton still sail on their rookie deals, young but battle-tested. Veteran Ben Bredeson mans the left guard post on a bargain contract, steady as a lighthouse in the fog.
This offensive line? One of the finest fleets in the whole NFL sea, I tell ye.
WEAPONS APLENTY FOR CAPTAIN MAYFIELD
Our skill positions be loaded like a powder keg.
Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Chris Godwin remain under contract for years to come — a deadly arsenal for Baker Mayfield to unleash.
And ye best believe Mike Evans ain’t done flyin’ the Jolly Roger just yet. If he signs another short-term pact, our wide receiver corps will be among the fiercest in all the league — a crew no defense dares take lightly.
THE DEFENSE AIN’T DEAD — JUST WOUNDED
Aye, the defense struggled like a leaky hull this season… but do not mistake struggle for surrender.
In the front seven, VITA VEA, Calijah Kancey, and Yaya Diaby stand as towering enforcers, ready to crush any invader.
In the secondary, young guns Tykee Smith, Benjamin Morrison, and Jacob Parrish promise brighter days ahead. And let us not forget Antoine Winfield Jr. — one of the fiercest safeties to ever patrol the deep waters — alongside Zyon McCollum, who I wager will roar back after a disappointing voyage.
The bones of a great defense still remain.
THE CURSE OF INJURIES — A STORM UNLIKELY TO STRIKE TWICE
In 2025, injuries ravaged us like scurvy in the lower decks. Key warriors fell early and often. Though we weathered the gale at first, the damage mounted, and the losses followed.
Now, there be no excuses in the NFL seas — every crew faces storms. Look at the San Francisco 49ers, battered by injuries yet still sailin’ to a 12-5 record and toppin’ the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs.
But hear me — Tampa’s injury plague was extraordinary. And such devastation rarely strikes twice with the same fury.
That, me hearties, be a reason for hope.
PRESSURE IN THE CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS
Now the heat rises beneath the deck.
Todd Bowles feels it. Baker Mayfield feels it.
But so too does General Manager Jason Licht.
In seasons past, Licht’s “draft and develop” creed earned him comfort and praise. Yet when the roster was torn apart by injuries and the losses mounted, no reinforcements came from free agency or trade.
Perhaps urgency was lacking. Perhaps comfort dulled the blade.
That luxury be gone now.
W.P. Rader
BuccaneersFan.com
#BUCSMOBILE
HOT NEWS OFF THE TURF
2025 BUCS SEASON IS HERE!
BUCS Mobile Is On The Road #BUCSMOBILE
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2025 OPPONENTS
By clinching the NFC South, the BUCS in 2025 will battle fellow first-place teams NFC North-winning Detroit Lions and the AFC South-winning Houston Texans, plus a visit from the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles
<< CLICK HELMETS << - to view all opponents - 312 - 454 - 01
<< 06 - 20 << - San Francisco 49ers
<< 09 - 09 << - Philadelphia Eagles
<< 03 - 07 << - New England Patriots
<< 11 - 11 << - Arizona Cardinals
<< 31 - 32 << - Atlanta Falcons
<< 22 - 25 << - Carolina Panthers
<< 25 - 40 << - New Orleans Saints
<< 03 - 10 << - New York Jetss
<< 08 - 05 << - Buffalo Bills
<< 29 - 32 << - Detroit Lions
<< 01 - 05 << - Houston Texans
<< 10 - 16 << - Los Angeles Rams
<< 07 - 05 << - Miami Dolphin
<< 06 - 09 << - Seattle Seahawks
Our prediction is another Play-Off Run in 2025
Wanted - Fanatical Tailgate Recipes
Email us with your Fanatical photograph
There is no experience in the seven seas quite like tailgating at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. The smell of grilling, camaraderie, and drink brings together the greatest fans in the NFL to enjoy the best day of the week, GAMEDAY.
We want to share your experience and invite you to email photographs with a note on what makes your tailgate experience special. If you plan to host tailgater send us your recipe to share, also like/join our FaceBook page to win some great fan gear CLICK HERE---> FACEBOOK BUCS1FAN
Peanut Butter/Brittle Cannonballs
Substitute almond or nut butter for those with peanut butter allergies.
In a large bowl, add peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla, salt and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixture until everything is combined.
Roll in peanut brittle
Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or about two tablespoons) to portion out the peanut butter/brittle mixture. Roll the 1-ounce portions into smooth balls and place onto a baking sheet.
Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes.
Combine coconut oil and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between, until the mixture is melted.
Stick a toothpick or a skewer into a peanut butter ball and dip it into the chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off and then put it onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Repeat until all the cannonballs are coated. Chill in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before serving.
“FUN FAN FACTS!”
TEAM NAME:
The Buccaneers are named after the pirates who frequented Florida's Gulf coast in the 17th century.
THE PIRATE SHIP:
Buccaneers fans enjoy a unique stadium experience at Raymond James Stadium, where the stadium features a 103-foot-long pirate ship in the north end zone. After every touchdown, cannon blasts ring out, creating an exciting and pirate-themed atmosphere for the fans.
SUPER BOWL WINS 100%:
The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls, in 2002 and 2020. They are one of only two NFL teams to be undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances.
RECORD AS OF 2024:
As of the 2024 season, the Buccaneers' record is 308-450-1
THE "KREWE" TRADITION:
Bucs fans are collectively known as "The Krewe," a nod to Tampa's historical connection to pirates and Gasparilla, the city's annual pirate-themed festival. The Krewe is passionate and known for embracing the pirate culture, donning pirate costumes at games.
RECORD-BREAKING SUPPORT:
Despite ups and downs in the franchise's history, Buccaneers fans are loyal. The team saw a massive surge in fandom, especially after winning Super Bowl LV in 2021. The Bucs sold out season tickets for the entire 2021 season, which hadn’t happened in over a decade.
MIKE EVANS FAN CLUB:
Wide receiver Mike Evans, one of the team's biggest stars, has built a special connection with fans. Not only is he a fan favorite for his on-field performance, but he’s also beloved for his work in the community, particularly through the Mike Evans Family Foundation, which supports children and families in need.
DIVERSE FAN BASE:
Tampa Bay has one of the more diverse fan bases in the NFL, drawing fans not only from Florida but from across the country, especially since the arrival of Tom Brady in 2020 brought even more national attention to the team.
THE RING OF HONOR:
Dedicated Bucs fans have helped push for the honoring of team legends through the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. Names like Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch are celebrated by fans who supported the team through thick and thin.
SUPER BOWL LOYALTIES:
The Buccaneers became the first team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium (Super Bowl LV in 2021), creating a historic and proud moment for the fans. This solidified a new era of hope and expectation for the fanbase.
CAREER RECORDS:
Some of the Buccaneers' career records include:
KICKOFF TOUCHDOWN RETURN:
It took the Buccaneers 32 seasons to return a kickoff for a touchdown, which happened in 200
These facts highlight the loyalty, passion, and pride that define Buccaneers fans, whether through their local traditions or their unwavering support for the team.
2025 BUCCANEERS ANNIVERSARY SEASON
The BCCANEERS ARE CONTENDERS
PRESEASON
HOME - Saturday, Aug. 9 << - 7:30pm
AWAY - Saturday, Aug. 16 << - 7:00pm
HOME - Saturday, Aug. 23 << - 7:30pm
REGULAR SEASON
HOME - Saturday, Sept. 7 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Monday, Sept. 15 << - 7:00pm
HOME - Sunday, Sept. 21 << - 1:00pm
HOME - Sunday, Sept. 28 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Sunday, Oct. 5 << - 4:05pm
HOME - Sunday, Oct. 12 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Monday, Oct. 20 << - 7:00pm
AWAY - Sunday, Oct. 26 << - 4:05pm
BYE - BYE WEEK << - WATCH PARTY
HOME - Sunday, Nov. 9 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Sunday, Nov. 16 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Sunday, Nov. 23 << - 8:20pm
HOME - Sunday, Nov. 30 << - 1:00pm
HOME - Sunday, Dec. 7 << - 1:00pm
HOME - Thursday, Dec. 11 << - 8:15pm
HOME - Sunday, Dec. 21 << - 1:00pm
AWAY - Sunday, Dec. 28 << - 1:00pm
HOME - TBD, Jan. 3or4 << - TBD:00pm
Let us know where you are tailgating and watching gameday
CONGRATULATIONS!
SCOTT BRADFORD
2025 NFL FAN-HALL-OF-FAME
Rum in Me Cup, Pewter in Me Blood!
ARRR, listen up ye scallywags! Look, I’m not gonna lie — I might’ve had a couple (okay… several) cold ones when I decided to write this. But that’s what happens when you’re a Fanatical BUCS fAN in the middle of our 50th season and you’ve been blessed with the holy grail of pregame glory: Scott’s tailgate.
ARRR, listen up ye scallywags! If ye haven’t stumbled into one o’ Scott’s legendary WHAT THE BUC" BucBuccaneers tailgates before any battle at Raymond James Stadium, ye be missin’ out on the finest pregame plunder's in all the Seven Seas. The man don’t just host a tailgate — he builds a floating fortress o’ food, drink, and fan pride right there only a few yards away from the Buccaneers Battle ground, lowering the gang-plank for every loyal buccaneer flyin’ the Pewter flag.
The smoke from the grills? That be the signal fire callin’ every BUCS fan home. The music? Louder than cannon fire on the high seas. And the laughs? Aye, they be the glue that binds this pirate crew together tighter than a ship’s riggin’ in a storm.
THE FAN VOYAGE to PFUFA TREASURE!
Scott pulled anchor and found himself plotting a course seldom travel, at the end o’ the journey, the Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association, the sacred brotherhood of gridiron legends. A location with absolute treasures o’ the fandom — mates He’ll never forget, on an island called Canton.
Jeff “Pantherman” Pintea handled his phone parley, smoother than a pint of rum on a calm tide. Catherine Highland, Nicole Vess, and Tyler Derby? A fine crew guidin’ Scott straight through the channel without hittin’ the rocks.
Not alone Scotts first mate, Beth Phillips — the lass who lets him vanish all day for tailgates and the game without raisin’ the skull & crossbone flag in anger — She has his heart in the treasure chest with eternal love and gratitude.
HIS KREWE BE HIS FAMILY!
Matt “Bucnutz” Algeri and Chris Elmore, be more than mates — they be the younger brothers Scott never knew he needed. Always there, always ready to hoist the sails when the wind gets rough.
Cheryl Stewart, bless yer compass — without you, Scott would have never found “WHAT THE BUC” back in the year 2009, when Facebook was still a rickety dinghy o’ blurry photos and bad captions. One message later, I was haulin’ a 13-year-old Tyler Bradford alongside him to his very first tailgate, and the rest… well, the rest be buried treasure in his heart.
PEWTER 'TIL THE PLANK
Scott has a new battle cry... "PFUFA classmates — We Are… Worldwide 25! His Canton experience with several scallywags, kept the tavern rockin’ late every night — aye, Sam Constancio now knows the Green Giant could use the Brawny Guy for a toothpick.
Here’s to Scott’s tailgates, Buccaneer brotherhood, and 50 years o’ fightin’ for Tampa Bay. Raise yer tankards high, mates — the seas be red, the skies be pewter, and we sail together ‘til the end o’ days.
Go Bucs! Fire the Cannons!
God Bless!!"
------------ Photo credit: Scott Bradford
#PewterTilIDie #GoBucs #FireTheCannons #BucsNation #PewterPirates #TailgateKings #Worldwide25 #ScottTheLegend
ENHANCE YOUR BUCS EXPERIENCE!
BUCCANEERS GAMEDAY TAILGATING
Some tailgating events include:
There are multiple great tailgating events:
Located at 4005 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL, this is a large game day tailgate party that includes food, drinks, a DJ, and tailgate games. The party starts four hours before kickoff and ends 45 minutes before.
Located at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, this tailgate offers an all-you-can-eat meal, complimentary drinks, tailgate games, and live TV broadcasts.
Open three hours prior to kickoff for Bucs and opposing team fans, come watch the early games broadcasted live Located Next to Raymond James Stadium.
Pregame tailgate party hosted by Tailgating Hall of Fame members near the stadium featuring all-inclusive food and beverages (beer, liquor and soft drinks), tailgate games, TVs, live DJ and more. NOTE: Does not include a game ticket or parking.
Located in the South Plaza of Raymond James Stadium, this free, high-energy destination is open to fans of all ages. It features live performances, tiki huts, hammocks, and activities for kids.
Located next to the stadium entrances, this all-inclusive tailgate includes food, music, games, and beverages. It starts three hours before kickoff and ends at kickoff..
Super Bowl LV Buccaneers Broken Records
Super Bowl LV was an historic life moment Buccaneersfan.com will never forget.
Yes... The BUCS dominated the Chiefs for much of the game becoming the first ever NFL team to win (or even play) in a Super Bowl in their home Raymond James Stadium. But there were also other records set at the game.
According to BuccaneersFan.com, these Super Bowl records were also set in Super Bowl LV:
Most Games – 10, Tom Brady
Most Games, Winning Team – 7, Tom Brady
Oldest Head Coach, Winning Team – 68, Bruce Arians
Oldest Player, Game – 43, Tom Brady
Most Pass Attempts, Career – 421, Tom Brady
Most Passes Completed, Career – 277, Tom Brady
Most Passing Yards, Career – 3039, Tom Brady
Most Touchdown Passes, Career – 21, Tom Brady
Most First Downs by Penalty, Team – 6, Tom Brady
Most First Downs by Penalty, Both Teams – 9, Tampa Bay (6) vs. Kansas City (3)
Most Touchdowns, QB-Receiver Tandem, Career – 5, Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski
SUPER BOWL RECORDS TIED IN SUPER BOWL LV
Most Fumbles, Career – 5, Tom Brady
Most Fumbles Recovered, Career – 2, Patrick Mahomes
Fewest Touchdowns, Team – 0, Kansas City
Fewest Rushing Touchdowns, Team – 0, Kansas City
Fewest Passing Touchdowns, Team – 0, Kansas City
Fewest Punt Returns, Team – 0, Tampa Bay
Fewest Punt Return Yards, Both Teams – 0, Tampa Bay vs. Kansas City
Fewest Fumbles Lost, Both Teams – 0, Tampa Bay vs. Kansas City
Fewest Turnovers, Team – 0, Tampa Bay
William Rader (aka Professor Jam | DJ & Founder - Ye Krewe of Pewter Pirates