The 1976 season, the inaugural campaign for the NFL's 27th franchise, was eagerly celebrated in West Florida but difficult on the actual football field. With Head Coach John McKay working with a roster consisting mostly of veteran castoffs and street free agents, the Buccaneers had difficulty finding equal footing with established teams, and things only got more difficult as injuries piled up. First-round draft pick Lee Roy Selmon was an early ray of hope but he missed half the season with injuries. Former University of Florida Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier was brought in via trade to be the team's first quarterback but did not win a game in his final NFL season as the Buccaneers finished the season 0-14.
