Buccaneers: A Valentine’s Day Celebration of Tampa Love

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans known as the Big Nasty cheers during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans known as the Big Nasty cheers during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans cheer as the game against the Carolina Panthers comes to an end at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans cheer as the game against the Carolina Panthers comes to an end at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Fan Since Day One

There are so many reasons that I love the Bucs. I was born and raised in Tampa, so I’ve been watching them for as long as I can remember.

When Tampa Bay won it all, I was only four years old. I still remember where I watched the NFC title game and the Super Bowl. And, despite the fact that I didn’t get to see it, I remember being on the local news at my pre-school for a Bucs rally that we had. There I was, sporting a Tampa Bay jacket and fan mask as the team was getting set for its first Super Bowl appearance ever.

This franchise has given me some great memories and plenty of bad ones. I mean, my cousin and I were season ticket holders during the whole Lovie Smith era. Even some gut-wrenching losses and inexplicable moments haven’t taken away my enjoyment of Buccaneer football. There’s just something about complete dedication that makes everything worth it. Having an investment in the Bucs when things are going poorly is tough, but there’s always the hope that it’ll pay off in the long run.

The Bucs have always been a big part of who I am. They’re a major part of my sports fandom and they play a role in my relationships with others. I’ve bonded over the Bucs with family, friends, teachers, strangers and certainly everyone on staff here at The Pewter Plank. Something about the Bucs makes it easy to connect with people. It’s a great thing.

Bailey Adams