The Sinking Ship

With the draft just around the corner, I thought I’d finally bleed my soul again for those “Pewter Pirates.” Without a doubt, it’s been one tumultuous season for both players and fans alike. It’s almost ironic that the Buccaneers had sailed into one hell of a storm. A season ago, I came to you all speaking high and hopeful for the 2009 season. Alas, I was truly unaware as to how bad the situation was in Tampa; so much so, that I began cursing Raheem and his dream. I had relapsed into the fan I was back in the 2006 season, when the Buccaneers suffered a dismal 4 – 12 record. Back then, watching those Seahawks, I was almost ready to turncoat and switch teams. But I was held back, something inside me felt like I was betraying the Bucs, my favorite team since 1997.

Like I said, the season hasn’t been easy, but everything changed when number 5 ran gallantly into the Raymond James Stadium on Week 9. It was if the candle of fandom had reignited. I watched on the NFL.com highlights reel as he made mincemeat of one of toughest teams in the NFL. Even though it wasn’t live, I still cheered like it was. I shouted for joy as Kellen Winslow Jr. made a seemingly impossible catch. I was proud, like many, to be a Buccaneers fan that day. From that moment on, I could only build my fan foundations even stronger.

This is a wonderful site. I frequent this, along with Buccaneers.com and Tampa Bay Online. While Tampa Bay Online is informative, they lack the heart that this fan site has. Their news, for the most part, has been mostly disheartening. Here, I read the words of those who have as much, if not more, hope as I do. This season, I learned what it is to be atrue fan.

This past season, our Buccaneers were like a sinking ship. Amidst this horrendous squall, the words “mutiny” and “abandon ship” has crossed many a troubled fan’s minds. While the risk of mutiny is no longer an issue, many have already taken it upon themselves and jumped ship. They hope to find a new ship to take arms with, becoming Raiders. But those pirates made a deal with the devil, and are under a captain who’s long past overdue. Maybe they just want to find land and become a Patriot of some land they don’t even know. Possibly. But maybe they’ve forgotten why they became a Buccaneer in the first place.

Before I, there were those who heeded to the call. It was a dream, establishing on the east coast of the United States. Sure, at first, the dream was a laughing stock. Many spoke of the little bounty to be had with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But through time and patience, they built themselves into one of the most feared teams in the NFL. However, like all good things, such a dream would have to eventually fade. The crew of the ship was getting old, no longer to carry the load expected to keep the ship afloat. Enter Raheem Morris, a man who stunned many with his actions. And here we are, aboard what many call a sinking ship, but I say we’re far from that.

A patch up here, nail a wooden plank there, and we’ll be ready in no time. Every fan is bound to hit their hard times with their respective teams. Patriots fans had to endure many unsuccessful seasons before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady made their appearance. I will continue to read up on the wealth of information to be had here. And if you ever need a reason to solidify your fandom for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, look no further. This here is a fine band of writers, speaking with both facts and spirit. There is a bright horizon to look forward to. I trust this Captain. I trust this charted course. I like where this is headed...

I may live in San Francisco, but I bleed pewter. I’m eagerly waiting to buy my tickets for the Bucs at 49ers game this 2010 season. Amidst a sea of loud, rambunctious, proud 49ers fans, I will be there, standing tall. I’m a Bucs fan, who are you?