14 days ago
Tampa, Florida -- Sunday, the Buccaneers will pack away the red and pewter and don their classic "creamsicle" orange and white uniforms in a throwback tribute to the Bucs' 1979 team and star Lee Roy Selmon.
The super-1970's color scheme was worn by the Bucs from 1976-1996 and hasn't been seen on the field since.
Banners with the team's old logo and colors have already been hung inside Raymond James Stadium in preparation for Sunday's throwback game; the field has been painted to look like the one inside old Tampa Stadium -- the "Big Sombrero".
As much as the color scheme puts a strain on the eyes, it puts a stronger strain on the psyche.
There are certainly some fond memories, but over 21 seasons the orange and white became synonymous with embarrassment and futility.
Jeff Fox from Bucs and Bulls Heaven on North Florida Avenue says he's happy to help give the look new meaning for a new generation. He says the Bucs' decision to resurrect the old colors has led to strong sales of classic jerseys with old-school names like Alstott, Brooks, and Lynch as well as jerseys with current players' names.
The most celebrated player to slide Bucco Bruce over his head is number 63, Lee Roy Selmon. He's the only Buccaneer -- so far -- to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His name will be the first placed in the Bucs' new Ring of Honor display at Raymond James Stadium during a ceremony at Sunday's game. The game is a revival of the old Battle of the Bays rivalry with the Green Bay Packers. It is sold out and will be shown on local TV.
Of course, on the field this year -- even in red and pewter -- the present-day Bucs have already looked a lot like those early Buccaneers teams, the ones that lost their first 26 games ever.
Can this unholy color palette be the trick to breaking the Bucs' current devilish losing streak? Fox is optimistic, and hopes success will lead the Buccaneers to bring back the old color scheme more often.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Buccaneers team, which went to the NFC Championship Game under coach John McKay. The Bucs lost to the Rams 9-0.
The last active player from the "creamsicle" era was linebacker Derrick Brooks, who was released by the team after last season.
Other throwback game coverage
Bucs throwback game features old fight song
When fans are watching players suited up in creamsicle orange, they'll also get a dose of audio nostalgia. The Bucs intend to play the old fight song "Hey Hey Tampa Bay" in the stadium and try to set a world record.
Some former Bucs actually like orange uniforms
Fans love to criticize the Bucs' old orange creamsicle uniforms, and that swashbuckling winking pirate on the helmet, Bucco Bruce. But a couple of Bucs, who played in the late 70's, loved those uniforms.
Connect with 10 Connects multi-media journalist Grayson Kamm on Twitter as @graysonkamm, on his Facebook page, by e-mail at this link, or on AOL Instant Messenger as screen name GraysonConnects.
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