The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' classic white and "Creamsicle" road uniforms will return for the first time in nearly five decades, the team announced Tuesday. The Bucs will don the modernized version of these road uniforms -- a white jersey with orange numbers and red trim -- in their 50th season home opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 21.
The Bucs have worn orange jerseys as part of their throwback look since 2009, but this is the first time they've worn their original uniforms from their inaugural season, which they wore for just one year. The team's old 'Bucco Bruce' color scheme was orange, red and white from 1976 to 1996, before the adoption of their current red and pewter look with a new logo in 1997. This jersey will be exclusive to the club's 50th season.
"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," Buccaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said in a statement. "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 uniforms will also include a Creamsicle 50th-season patch in a nod to the team's first fight song, with the words, "Hey! Hey! Tampa Bay!" stitched on the inside collar. The jerseys will be available for purchase in the team's store.
