Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have celebrated some of the greatest players and coaches in NFL history. However, several franchise legends still await recognition inside Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers Ring of Honor recognizes individuals who helped shape the organization’s history. From Lee Roy Selmon to Derrick Brooks, the stadium proudly displays the names of Tampa Bay icons. Simeon Rice became the 16th member of the Ring of Honor in November 2025. His induction recognized his contributions to Tampa Bay’s dominant defense during its first Super Bowl championship season.
However, the organization will not induct anyone during the 2026 season. That decision creates an opportunity to examine which Buccaneers legends deserve recognition next. Several deserving candidates played important roles in Tampa Bay’s two Super Bowl championships. Others helped build the franchise during difficult periods. Here are the players and personalities who should receive serious consideration for the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.
1\. Lavonte David — The Next Obvious Choice
Lavonte David deserves the next available spot in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. The former linebacker spent his entire 14-season NFL career with Tampa Bay. His consistency, leadership, and tackling ability made him one of the franchise’s greatest defensive players. David joined the Buccaneers as a second-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He quickly developed into one of the league’s most dependable linebackers. Throughout his career, David recorded more than 1,600 tackles and established himself as a defensive leader.
Furthermore, he helped Tampa Bay defeat Kansas City in Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season. David remained loyal to the franchise through coaching changes, losing seasons, and championship celebrations. His retirement following the 2025 season ended an outstanding career. The Buccaneers should recognize his contributions without requiring a Pro Football Hall of Fame selection first.
2\. Hardy Nickerson — The Forgotten Defensive Leader
Hardy Nickerson helped establish the defensive culture that eventually transformed Tampa Bay into a championship contender. The Buccaneers signed Nickerson in 1993 after his successful stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He immediately brought leadership, physicality, and accountability to a struggling organization. Nickerson earned five Pro Bowl selections during his seven seasons in Tampa Bay. Additionally, he recorded 214 tackles during his first season with the Buccaneers, according to Pewter Report. His leadership helped younger defenders understand the expectations necessary to compete at the highest level.
Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch eventually became cornerstones of Tampa Bay’s historic defense. However, Nickerson helped establish that foundation before the Buccaneers reached their championship peak. Former head coach Tony Dungy and Mike Alstott have publicly supported Nickerson’s Ring of Honor candidacy. His absence represents one of the organization’s most significant omissions. Pewter Report
3\. Tom Brady — The Quarterback Who Delivered Another Championship
Tom Brady spent only three seasons with Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, his impact changed the franchise forever. Brady arrived in 2020 after winning six Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots. His signing immediately transformed Tampa Bay into a legitimate championship contender. During his first season, Brady led the Buccaneers to an 11-5 regular-season record. The team subsequently defeated Washington, New Orleans, and Green Bay during its playoff run.
Finally, Tampa Bay dominated Kansas City, 31-9, in Super Bowl LV. Brady earned Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing three touchdown passes. Furthermore, he led the NFL with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes during the 2021 season. Brady finished his Buccaneers career with 14,643 passing yards and 108 touchdown passes. Although his Tampa Bay tenure lasted only three seasons, he delivered the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy. That accomplishment alone makes him a deserving Ring of Honor candidate.
4\. Gerald McCoy — A Star During Difficult Years
Gerald McCoy represented one of Tampa Bay’s brightest defensive stars throughout the 2010s. The Buccaneers selected McCoy third overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He quickly developed into one of the league’s most disruptive defensive tackles. McCoy earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2012 through 2017. Additionally, he recorded 54.5 sacks during his nine seasons with Tampa Bay.
His ability to penetrate offensive lines created opportunities for teammates throughout the defense. However, McCoy rarely enjoyed the team success that previous Buccaneers defensive legends experienced. Tampa Bay failed to reach the playoffs during his tenure. Nevertheless, individual excellence should remain an important consideration for Ring of Honor recognition. McCoy consistently represented the organization with professionalism and dedication. His contributions deserve recognition despite the team’s struggles.
5\. James Wilder — An Offensive Star Worth Remembering
James Wilder remains one of the most productive offensive players in Buccaneers history. Tampa Bay selected Wilder during the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He developed into a versatile running back who contributed as both a runner and receiver. Wilder enjoyed his greatest statistical season in 1984. That year, he rushed for 1,544 yards and caught 85 passes for another 685 yards. His 2,229 yards from scrimmage demonstrated his importance to Tampa Bay’s offense.
Furthermore, Wilder carried the football 407 times during that remarkable season. He finished his Buccaneers career with 5,957 rushing yards and 3,492 receiving yards. Those accomplishments remain significant decades after his retirement. The organization should not overlook players simply because they competed during unsuccessful seasons. Wilder helped carry Tampa Bay’s offense during a challenging period. His production deserves a permanent place inside Raymond James Stadium.
6\. Gene Deckerhoff — The Legendary Voice of the Buccaneers
Not every Ring of Honor candidate needs to have played or coached professional football. Gene Deckerhoff deserves recognition for bringing Buccaneers football into homes throughout Florida for 37 seasons. He became Tampa Bay’s radio play-by-play announcer in 1989. Throughout his career, Deckerhoff called more than 800 Buccaneers games and both Super Bowl victories. His famous calls became part of the franchise’s identity. Whether celebrating touchdowns or describing memorable defensive plays, Deckerhoff brought tremendous enthusiasm to every broadcast.
Furthermore, generations of Buccaneers supporters associate his voice with their favorite football memories. He retired following the 2025 season, ending one of the NFL’s longest broadcasting careers. The Buccaneers should make an exception to their traditional selection practices and recognize Deckerhoff’s contributions. His induction would celebrate someone who helped connect the organization with its supporters for nearly four decades. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7\. Mike Evans — Tampa Bay’s Greatest Receiver
Mike Evans deserves an eventual place alongside Tampa Bay’s greatest offensive players. The Buccaneers selected Evans seventh overall during the 2014 NFL Draft. He immediately developed into one of the league’s most productive wide receivers. Evans opened his career with 11 consecutive seasons featuring at least 1,000 receiving yards. That achievement matched Jerry Rice’s NFL record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Furthermore, Evans helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV.
He also earned six Pro Bowl selections during his 12 seasons with the Buccaneers. Evans departed Tampa Bay during the 2026 offseason, ending an extraordinary chapter in franchise history. His contributions extended beyond football through charitable work and community involvement. Although his NFL career continues elsewhere, his accomplishments in Tampa Bay already justify future recognition. The Buccaneers should eventually honor him as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
8\. Ali Marpet — The Offensive Line Anchor
Ali Marpet played an important role in transforming Tampa Bay’s offensive line into a championship-caliber unit. The Buccaneers selected Marpet during the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with Tampa Bay, developing into one of the league’s most dependable guards. Marpet started 101 regular-season games during his NFL career. His combination of strength, intelligence, and consistency helped protect multiple Buccaneers quarterbacks.
Furthermore, Marpet played an important role during Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV championship run. His blocking helped the Buccaneers establish offensive balance throughout the postseason. Marpet earned a Pro Bowl selection following the 2021 season. However, he retired in February 2022 at just 28 years old. His relatively short career might complicate his Ring of Honor candidacy. Nevertheless, his contributions to Tampa Bay’s second championship deserve serious consideration.
9\. Shaquil Barrett — A Championship Pass Rusher
Shaquil Barrett became one of Tampa Bay’s most important defensive acquisitions in recent franchise history. The Buccaneers signed Barrett in 2019 following his time with the Denver Broncos. He immediately delivered one of the greatest pass-rushing seasons in franchise history. Barrett recorded 19.5 sacks during his first season with Tampa Bay. That performance established a new Buccaneers single-season record.
Furthermore, Barrett played an essential role during the team’s Super Bowl LV championship season. His pressure on Patrick Mahomes helped Tampa Bay dominate Kansas City’s offense. Barrett finished his Buccaneers career with 45 sacks across five seasons. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks made him a cornerstone of the defense. Although other candidates have stronger longevity arguments, Barrett’s championship contributions deserve recognition.
Final Verdict: Who Should Enter Next?
The Buccaneers have several deserving Ring of Honor candidates, but three names stand above the others. Lavonte David deserves the next induction because of his remarkable consistency and loyalty. Hardy Nickerson deserves recognition for establishing the defensive culture that eventually produced Tampa Bay’s first championship. Meanwhile, Gene Deckerhoff deserves consideration for connecting generations of Buccaneers fans through his legendary broadcasts. Tom Brady and Mike Evans also represent obvious future selections. However, Tampa Bay should avoid overlooking older franchise legends while celebrating more recent accomplishments.
James Wilder and Gerald McCoy deserve recognition for their contributions during challenging periods. The Ring of Honor should celebrate more than championship victories. It should recognize individuals who helped shape the franchise’s identity. The Buccaneers have already established an outstanding tradition through their 16 current honorees. Now, the organization should continue expanding that legacy. Lavonte David should enter next, followed by Hardy Nickerson and Gene Deckerhoff. All three represent different chapters of Buccaneers history, and each deserves permanent recognition inside Raymond James Stadium.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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