TAMPA, FL -- Timing is everything. However, I think we all agree that the Bucs 'throwback' Sunday is coming at a bad time.
This year's version remains the only winless team in the NFL. Coincidence is too numbing for those that endured those early days of this franchise. Much to familiar.
This Sunday, the Buccaneers will don their "Bucco Bruce" creamsicle uni's, paying tribute to the 30-year anniversary of the 1979 team.
For those of you who have no idea what happened that year, let me refresh your memory.
The Bucs went 10-6, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game.
Lee Roy Selmon's led defense was the catalyst. Selmon was named to the Pro-Bowl. He would later become the franchise's first Hall-of Fame inductee.
This Sunday, Lee Roy will become the first inductee into the Bucs Ring of Honor.
So while some may have the haunting memories of those more than difficult years the Bucs had wearing 'Bruce' on their helmet, there was a short time the laughing stopped.
1979 was one of those years.
It was a proud moment for the franchise.
If you're at Sunday's game against the Packers, or in your living room watching the game (pending a blackout), stand-up and give Lee Roy applause.
He was the first Tampa Bay Buccaneer player, and one of the greatest to play the game.
He was fierce. He was also a humble man, and still is. A memory worth keeping.
