The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2002 roster was a talented and well-rounded group of players that came together to win Super Bowl XXXVII. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key members of that championship team:
Offense:
- Quarterbacks:
- Brad Johnson (QB) - The veteran quarterback had a solid season, throwing for 3,049 yards and 22 touchdowns.
- Rob Johnson (QB) - The backup quarterback saw limited action but was effective when called upon.
- Shaun King (QB) - The young quarterback was still developing but showed promise in his limited appearances.
- Running Backs:
- Mike Alstott (FB) - The fullback was a key blocker and receiver out of the backfield, rushing for 465 yards and catching 35 passes.
- Michael Pittman (RB) - The running back had a breakout season, rushing for 926 yards and catching 59 passes.
- Aaron Stecker (RB) - The backup running back was a versatile player who contributed in the running and passing games.
- Wide Receivers:
- Keyshawn Johnson (WR) - The veteran wide receiver was a key target for Brad Johnson, catching 76 passes for 1,088 yards.
- Keenan McCardell (WR) - The other starting wide receiver had a solid season, catching 61 passes for 883 yards.
- Karl Williams (WR) - The slot receiver was a valuable third option, catching 34 passes for 313 yards.
- Tight Ends:
- Ken Dilger (TE) - The veteran tight end was a reliable receiver and blocker, catching 34 passes for 329 yards.
- Todd Yoder (TE) - The backup tight end saw limited action but was effective as a blocker.
- Offensive Line:
- Roman Oben (LT) - The left tackle was a key protector of Brad Johnson’s blind side.
- Randall McDaniel (LG) - The veteran left guard was a dominant run blocker and pass protector.
- Jeff Christy © - The center was a intelligent and athletic player who made all the line calls.
- Kerry Jenkins (RG) - The right guard was a physical run blocker who also protected well in pass situations.
- Kenyatta Walker (RT) - The right tackle was a young but talented player who showed promise in his first season.
Defense:
- Defensive Line:
- Warren Sapp (DT) - The dominant defensive tackle was a key player in the Buccaneers’ defensive line, recording 7.5 sacks.
- Anthony McFarland (DT) - The other starting defensive tackle was a physical player who occupied blockers and allowed the linebackers to make plays.
- Simeon Rice (DE) - The defensive end was a pass-rushing specialist who recorded 15.5 sacks.
- Greg Spires (DE) - The other starting defensive end was a solid run defender who also rushed the quarterback effectively.
- Linebackers:
- Derrick Brooks (LB) - The outside linebacker was a key player in the Buccaneers’ defense, recording 128 tackles and 1 sack.
- Shelton Quarles (LB) - The middle linebacker was a physical player who made plays against the run and pass.
- Nate Webster (LB) - The other outside linebacker was a speedy player who covered well and rushed the quarterback effectively.
- Defensive Backs:
- Ronde Barber (CB) - The cornerback was a shutdown corner who recorded 2 interceptions and 14 passes defensed.
- Brian Kelly (CB) - The other starting cornerback was a physical player who covered well and supported the run.
- John Lynch (S) - The strong safety was a physical player who made plays against the run and pass.
- Dexter Jackson (S) - The free safety was a ball-hawking safety who recorded 2 interceptions and 5 passes defensed.
Special Teams:
- Kicker:
- Martín Gramática (K) - The kicker was a accurate player who made 32 of 39 field goal attempts.
- Punter:
- Tom Tupa (P) - The punter was a veteran player who averaged 42.4 yards per punt.
- Return Specialists:
- Karl Williams (PR) - The wide receiver was a dynamic return specialist who averaged 10.4 yards per punt return.
- Aaron Stecker (KR) - The running back was a solid kick returner who averaged 22.1 yards per kick return.
This talented roster came together to win the Buccaneers’ first Super Bowl title in franchise history, defeating the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII. The team’s dominance on defense, combined with the offense’s ability to control the clock and make plays when necessary, made them a formidable opponent throughout the 2002 season.
