The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mount Rushmore
Photo Credit: Buccaneers.com
A popular debate for fans of every team and sport is who would be on their team's version of Mount Rushmore… Four of the greatest players who have made the greatest impact on their respective franchises, and although there are certainly deserving players who couldn’t make the cut, today we're going to go over who would feature on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers version of Mount Rushmore.
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Derrick Brooks: When it comes to the outside linebacker position, no one has ever been as versatile as Derrick Brooks. With one of the best resumes of any linebacker ever, Brooks was dominant for the Buccaneers for his entire 14 year career, Brooks also never missed a game, playing all 16 games every year for Tampa Bay. Being exceptional in coverage, run defense, and as a blitzer when it’s asked of him is no easy task, but Brooks made it look effortless every time. Brooks made 11 pro bowls, 5 first team all-pro teams, and 4 second team all-pro teams, along with winning 2002 defensive player of the year. Brooks recorded 1,713 total tackles, 24 forced fumbles, and 25 interceptions in his legendary career.
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Warren Sapp: One of the most dominant defensive tackles of all time, and one of only 5 first ballot hall of famers at the position, Sapp was unstoppable for the Buccaneers from 1995-2003. The combination of Sapp and Derrick Brooks created a dynamic duo that anchored some of the best defenses in NFL history and was instrumental in the Buccaneers super bowl championship in 2003. Sapp was one of the rare talents at the position that was both an excellent run defender and pass rusher, as he created havoc for offensive lineman for the better part of a decade in Tampa Bay. In Sapp’s tenure with the Buccaneers, he racked up 77 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 311 total tackles, all unbelievable numbers for an interior defensive lineman. Sapp eventually moved on the Raiders, but he certainly made a significant impact on the history of the Buccaneers.
Photo Credit: Buccaneers.com
Lee Roy Selmon: The oldest player on this list, due to the NFC South being a newer division, Lee Roy Selmon was a beast for the Buccaneers in the 1970s-80s. While the sack totals for most of his career are unofficial due to the NFL not counting sacks as an official stat until 1982, between the unofficial totals as well as testimony from opposing players and coaches of the era tell the story that he was incredible. Standing at 6 '3 and 256 lbs, Selmon was very imposing for the time period, known for his combination of incredible strength and explosive quickness, Selmon was a tough man to block. Playing on some horrible Buccaneers teams with a career record of 42-85-1, Selmon spent his whole career as a Bucc, and set a standard of great defensive line play for the team that is still an emphasis today.
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Mike Evans: The only player in this article to still be playing, Mike Evans is the model of consistency at the wide receiver position. Being in the middle of his 10th season, Evans has put up 9 straight 1,000+ yard receiving seasons ever since his first season, a feat that no other receiver has done before. Not only has Evans been remarkably consistent, but besides his short stint with Tom Brady, he has done so without stellar quarterback play. Standing at 6’5, 231 lbs with incredible strength and athleticism, Evans is nearly uncoverable, especially when it comes to jump balls. So far throughout his career, Evans has racked up 10,811 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns. If he’s able to put up another solid season or two, Evans could be a lock for the Hall of Fame.
