Buccaneers’ Jersey Countdown: Number 94
We move along with our countdown of the greatest Buccaneers ever. Who was the best to ever wear number 94?
Through the years, many have worn the colors of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wins may have been hard to come by at times, with a winless season in our record books to go along with only one Super Bowl title, but many talented players have come through Tampa Bay. That has been especially true on defense, with the likes of Simeon Rice and Lee Roy Selmon wearing the colors.
But who has been the best?
Over the last several days, we have been reviewing Bucs’ history, and looking at the best players to wear each jersey number. Starting with number 99, we have been counting down in reverse, looking back. We continue today with number 94.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
The choice is Greg Spires.
Like Chris Hovan from our number 95 piece, Spires did not begin his career in Tampa. He was a third round selection in 1998 by the New England Patriots. He spent three years up there, followed by a year in Cleveland before winding up in Tampa beginning in 2002. He started every game for the eventual champs, posting 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Spires added a sack of Rich Gannon during the Super Bowl win over the Oakland Raiders.
After another 3.5 sack season in 2003, his breakout came in 2004. That year, Spires posted 60 total tackles and eight sacks. 2004 brought him four more sacks and 47 total tackles. Spires added seven more sacks to his Tampa total prior to his career ending after the 2007 season.
For his career, Spires posted 256 combined tackles, 26 sacks, and four fumble recoveries while spending six years with the Bucs, his longest tenure with any franchise.
One thing to note on Spires, he was extremely durable. For his Bucs’ career, he played 89 games, and started 87 of them, making him a mainstay on a talented defensive line.
He wasn’t the biggest name of them all, but Greg Spires was the best Bucs’ player to wear the number 94.