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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their fair share of ups and downs since joining the NFL in 1976. They struggled mightily in their early years but eventually found success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 2002. Along the way, the team has had some incredible players, but when it comes to the greatest ever, one name stands out: Derrick Brooks.
Derrick Brooks: The best Buccaneer
Brooks was a cornerstone of the franchise's success during the late 1990s and early 2000s, serving as a dominant force on defense and a respected leader on and off the field. He played in Tampa Bay for 14 seasons, from 1995 to 2008, and his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated.
Brooks was a dominant force, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections, five first-team All-Pro selections and the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2002. He played a key role in Tampa Bay's vaunted defense that led the team to its Super Bowl victory in 2002.
Off the field, Brooks was a respected leader and mentor to his teammates. He earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2000.
Brooks, who retired in 2009, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
