A dominant interior force, Gerald McCoy was a six-time Pro Bowler and the face of the Buccaneers’ defense throughout the 2010s. Finishing his career with 54.5 sacks, McCoy was known for his quick first step and ability to pressure quarterbacks from the inside.
One of the most underrated linebackers of his era, Lavonte David has been the anchor of the Bucs' defense for over a decade. With over 1,400 career tackles, multiple All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl LV ring, David has proven to be an elite tackler, coverage linebacker, and leader.
Simeon Rice was one of the best pure pass rushers in Bucs history, finishing with 69.5 sacks in just six seasons with the team. A two-time Pro Bowler, Rice was a major force in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII win, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble in the game.
Mike Alstott was a six-time Pro Bowler and a bulldozing fullback who could both run and catch. He played a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII victory, scoring two postseason touchdowns that season. Alstott finished his career with 7,372 total yards and 71 touchdowns.
John Lynch was the enforcer in the Buccaneers’ secondary, earning five Pro Bowls with Tampa Bay and later being inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was a key member of the 2002 Super Bowl-winning team.
Mike Evans has been one of the most dominant wide receivers of his era, recording 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons (an NFL record to start a career). A key contributor to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory, Evans holds franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Ronde Barber played 215 consecutive games at cornerback. A five-time Pro Bowler, Barber is the only player in NFL history with 45+ interceptions and 25+ sacks. His game-clinching pick-six in the 2002 NFC Championship Game sent the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl, where they later won.
The first-ever draft pick in Buccaneers’ history, Lee Roy Selmon became the franchise’s first Hall of Famer and a six-time Pro Bowler. Despite playing in the team’s early struggling years, Selmon was a force to reckon with, winning the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His 78.5 career sacks paved the way for the team’s future defensive success.
Warren Sapp was a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sapp’s 77 career sacks with Tampa Bay and his performance during the Super Bowl XXXVII-winning season cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive linemen ever.
Derrick Brooks was the heart and soul of the Buccaneers’ dominant defense. A five-time First-Team All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, Brooks was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a leader in the Super Bowl XXXVII-winning team. His pick-six in the Super Bowl sealed the championship.
