The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have evolved in fascinating ways over five decades, rising from humble roots to multiple championships, but in one respect their historic 50th season will echo their very first campaign as the NFL’s 27th franchise in 1976. It’s all in the look.
On Tuesday, the Buccaneers announced that they will bring back their iconic uniform design from 1976 for their 2025 home opener against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 21. While the team has returned to its Creamsicle roots for multiple throwback games since 2009, this is the first time since the franchise’s debut season that the original uniforms will be worn in a game. The return of The ’76 Jersey is not only a nod to the team’s 50th season but also a celebration of the many achievements during the seasons in between.
“The ’76 Jersey represents a piece of Buccaneers history and serves as a tribute to the generations of fans and players who shaped this franchise,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “As we launch into our 50th season, we’re proud to reintroduce The ’76 Jersey and the tradition it embodies. It is a reminder that every Buccaneers fan, from the originals to the newest generation, is part of an evolving story that started in 1976 and continues being written today.”
The Buccaneers wore their original white jerseys for just one season, sporting orange numbers with red outlines. The recreated jerseys for 2025 will feature a special Creamsicle 50th season patch but otherwise will be the same as 1976 with the memorable sleeve pattern, with one orange stripe between two red ones. The look will be completed with the original white helmets, white pants and striped socks. There is one twist: the Buccaneers have stitched the words, “Hey! Hey! Tampa Bay!” on the inside of the jersey collar, recalling the teams’ first fight song, which debuted in 1979 as the franchise made the playoffs in just its fourth season.
This latest iteration of the signature 1976 look was a collaborative effort with Nike, the NFL’s exclusive uniform provider, to create a seamless blend of heritage and performance. The uniform incorporates Nike’s Vapor F.U.S.E. lightweight stretch-woven fabric – made from 85% recycled material – and features Nike’s Dri-FIT technology and precision laser perforations for enhanced airflow and increased comfort.
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