Tomorrow, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will announce the next inductee into the Ring of Honor. But in comes the Tampa Bay Times to scoop the Bucs, as the Times found out offensive tackle Paul Gruber will be the choice after speaking with the player.
Paul Gruber was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the fourth overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft, after an impressive career with the Wisconsin Badgers. Gruber spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, finally retiring after 12 seasons with the Bucs in 1999. Gruber played in and started 183 games throughout his career, becoming a reliable fixture at left tackle. Gruber was never recognized nationally for his play, however, earning no Pro Bowls or AP All-Pro selections, despite being one of the most consistent left tackles in the league.
The Bucs are moving closer to the modern era with their Ring of Honor selections, after selecting Lee Roy Selmon, John McKay and Jimmie Giles in the past three seasons. Gruber was a bridge player between the old Buccaneers who couldn't win a game to save their lives, and the late '90s/early '00s Bucs who were consistent winners. Will they move on to the Super Bowl winners next season?