Former Bucs Land on NFL's All-Quarter Century Defensive Team
Several players from the 2002 formidable Buccaneers' defense, including Warren Sapp (starter), Derrick Brooks (starter), Rondé Barber (reserve) and John Lynch (reserve), made CBS Sports’ NFL All-Quarter Century Defensive Team. Those aforementioned names dominated the gridiron, forming one of the most intimidating defenses in NFL annals. In addition, Ndamukong Suh made the "Honorable Mentions" rundown for his notable contributions in the trenches. Past legends who evoked fear in offenses around the NFL – Sapp, Brooks, Barber and Lynch – are immortalized in Canton. These players were deemed the "best of the best" during their respective tenures in the league. Whether Barber's famed 92-yard pick six against the Eagles that clinched the Bucs' victory in the NFC Championship clash or Brooks' 44-yard pick six versus the Raiders that punctuated Tampa Bay's win in Super Bowl XXXVII, the impact of that defensive unit has transcended the years.
A name that was snubbed from the esteemed list is Bucs inside linebacker Lavonte David. The two off-ball linebackers on the starting list at the position are both in the Hall of Fame with resumés that need no superlatives to back them with Ray Lewis and Brooks. However, three inside linebackers made the reserves list: Bobby Wagner, Brian Urlacher and Luke Kuechly. Urlacher has a bust in Canton so no refuting that selection, but David's numbers stack up with Wagner and surpass him in various categories. Wagner has played in four more games than David in his career, yet David has more sacks (39.0 to 35.0), tackles (1,111 to 1,071), forced fumbles (31 to seven) and fumble recoveries (19 to 12). David is first among all active players in career solo tackles at 1,109, is first in career interceptions among active linebackers with 13 and is first in career fumble recoveries among active players with 19. Per the Associated Press, since 1991, David is just the eighth player in league lore to record 40-plus sacks and 30-plus takeaways, including playoffs, joining Karlos Dansby, Ray Lewis, London Fletcher, Julius Peppers, Junior Seau, Jason Taylor and Urlacher. David is widely regarded as one of the most underrated players in the NFL and the trend continued with his name absent from the All-Quarter Century Defensive Team.
Bucs Out-Pace Division in ESPN Grades
ESPN graded each NFL club's offseason and how every team has positioned themselves for the upcoming 2025 campaign. All factors impacted the report card, including free agency moves, draft selections, trades and coaching hires. ESPN gave Tampa Bay a B+, citing the team's re-signing of receiver Chris Godwin and the acquisition of Haason Reddick in free agency. The rest of the NFC South did not come out unscathed. The Panthers were given a C, the Saints received a failing D and the Falcons were given a C-. Overall, in ESPN's view, the Buccaneers eclipsed the rest of the division by a significant margin and are in good position to hunt for their fifth-consecutive division crown.
Antoine Winfield Jr. Lands on ESPN Olympic Roster Assembly
ESPN put together a dream NFL roster to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in flag football and Antoine Winfield Jr. made the cut. Earlier this year, team owners unanimously approved a proposal that permits NFL players to partake in tryouts for the Olympic flag football team. ESPN compiled a list of 10 NFL players to represent the U.S. and Winfield joined defensive backs Cooper DeJean, Travis Hunter and Pat Surtain II. ESPN praised Winfield's ability as a "multilevel" defender, along with his "coverage ability, second-level range, blitz ability." For flag football competition, players with speed and YAC-capability will be coveted. Winfield has the prowess to limit weapons in the open field and serve as a supplemental pass rusher if needed. The interchangeable safety would bolster Team USA.
