A Special Day
January 24th, 2021
Joe is an emotional guy.
Just start with why this website began. It was 2008, and Joe was a Bucs fan (and a working journalist) completely frustrated by how written Bucs media coverage was stale and stuck in the 1980s.
Joe was fired up to have fun writing about the Bucs the way Joe talked about the team in bars, in offices, at games and on sports radio.
Dammit, Joe was going to marry Bucs fans on this blog in a way that would make Joe a bigger fan — and hopefully some beer money along the way.
The result was Joe literally obsessing 24/7 about the Bucs, never taking a day off, caring more about the team more than is spiritually healthy, and benefitting from millions of readers. Literally, only for this month, Joe has eclipsed 1 million actual visits to the website. The previous monthly high was only about 830,000.
So today is a very special day for Joe. The Bucs are in the NFC Championship game, and their talent level may be better than their opponent’s.
It really feels like a dream. Now this is fantasy football. “Surreal” is the word Sage JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman put on it, and it fits.
Joe is so happy that our treasured fan base gets to enjoy this day, happy ending or not.
If nothing else, today stamps a legitimacy on the franchise that is so overdue, and it sets up the most exciting offseason since 1998. Back then, the Bucs had just broken through into the playoffs after a generation-long drought, beat Barry Sanders and the Lions, and the town was full of true believers preparing to enter a new stadium the following season.
Enjoy today, Bucs fans, especially the guys and girls who spent years earning the euphoria they’re feeling this morning.
If you want to bond in person, join fired up Bucs fans at Big Storm Brewery taprooms in Odessa or Clearwater, where the outdoor covered seating is exceptional special. Or just hang out right here commenting with fans through the game.
Win or lose, it’s a special day.
And yes, the Bucs absolutely can throttle the Packers at Lambeau. Tampa Bay has the talent and Tom Brady, and they did it in October. What more could a Bucs fan ask for?
Fired up for an awesome Sunday in the fun outdoor covered taproom area @BigStormClearwater. (indoors, too) Great views. Great sound.
Enjoy Florida's finest craft beer and A+ food with fired up Bucs fans. Joe's got halftime giveaways.
Go Bucs!!!! pic.twitter.com/oMLX2ud715— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) January 23, 2021
January 24th, 2021 at 7:56 am
Congrats, Joe, and I think you have a well-earned niche in the local media market. You’d do exeedingly well by dropping a couple of bad habits (IMO) but that is your choice, your business, your identify perhaps. I noticed out and about and in the office over the years since 2008 that fewer and fewer people were talking about the Bucs at all, and local media, like with dark cloud T. Jones, bad draft decisions (Winston), and poor business decisions (Glazers) really hurt the Bucs over the years. It was amazing how basically one guy turned it around this year, and did so on so many fronts. But I’m not in agreement today is a good day with a loss. Great season taken as a whole, but would be a terrible day by 7pm, but I don’t think that’s a factor. Let’s turn a maginal day into a magical two more weeks!
January 24th, 2021 at 7:57 am
it’s all gravy from here on out…
it’s been a heck of a season up to this point…
anything else is simply icing on the cake…
#ThanksTomGravy #CultureChange
January 24th, 2021 at 7:59 am
Great post, Joe! As a very long-time Bucs fan myself, I’ve had trouble describing my excitement on the overnight change in respectability.
I told everyone at the final game in 2019 that this was a super bowl roster and perfect landing spot for TB12. I can’t believe the NFC is here!!!!
Let’s enjoy every minute! Goooo Bucs!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:07 am
I am thankful to have a place to express my enthusiasm for the Bucs & share that with others.
I encourage you to support Joe’s advertisers as that is what makes all this possible.
As for today, of course I’ll be happier if we win…..but if we don’t, I’ll still be happy!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:09 am
our db’s now have given themselves a name…
“the gravediggers”
January 24th, 2021 at 8:10 am
Great job Joes. Much appreciated reads about the Bucs. Now show up in the creamsicles Bucs! That’s the only thing that could pump me up even more. Go Bucs! Special day indeed.
January 24th, 2021 at 8:11 am
No coverage map today? 🙂 GO BUCS!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:12 am
I couldn’t sleep well…kept having weird dreams about the game. Pretty sure in the dream the final was 41-22/23 or something like that, Bucs WIN!!! It seemed more like the Super Bowl though than the NFC Championship!!
Well, here’s to making dreams come true!!!! I’m predicting at least 40 points by this high power offense!!! The D makes just enough plays to hold them under 30 and we win this thing!!!!!
Then Joe you get to cover a TB Super Bowl in your own town living it up writing about our beloved Tompa, uhhh Tampa Bay Bucs!!!!
LFG!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:15 am
I only know a few old time Bucs fans, they know football and love the Bucs. Happy they showed me this site. Love your passion Bucs fans.
January 24th, 2021 at 8:24 am
Thank you joes!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:29 am
Haven’t posted here in a while do to some disagreements with certain contributors to this wonderful blog however today IS a special day! Long time Buc fan since I moved here in 82 and a proud season ticket holder since 88 so to see this IS truly euphoria! Job is not complete though. TWO more games and THEN its time to celebrate! GO BUCS!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:31 am
Man, this is a dream become reality. I tell anyone who will listen EVERY YEAR, “my Bucs are going to the Superbowl this year.” Of course I told every one this yr that the Bucs would be the first team in history to play the SB in their stadium, same as I said 20 yrs ago when we had a historic defense and Tampa hosted the SB.
VITA’S BACK … OUR DEFENSE WILL BE BETTER TODAY AS A RESULT … GO BUCS!! Now run that “Welcome to Tampa” theme song from ’02 so that we ALL believe together!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:35 am
“…the Bucs absolutely can throttle the Packers at Lambeau. Tampa Bay has the talent and Tom Brady, and they did it in October.”
Amen brother! Thank you Joe(s) for a great site for Bucs fans to enjoy.
January 24th, 2021 at 8:38 am
This is a great blog for a Bucs fan. I came late in the game. I discovered the site in 2012 trying to find out information here in the Philippines about signing Vincent Jackson. I have checked this blog out almost daily ever since. Thanks ‘Joes’ for the BEST place for Bucs news. GO BUCS!!!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:42 am
Congratulations Joe!
Interesting read on the field that they will play on today
https://www.packers.com/news/new-turf-ready-to-welcome-packers-into-2018-season
January 24th, 2021 at 8:48 am
A shout out to all those fans (me too) that walked out of Ray Jay through the years with their heads down loss after loss.
How does it feel now?
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 8:59 am
I seemed to be the only person wearing Bucs gear until this year. Now, people seeing the flags on my car actually shout “Go Bucs!”
January 24th, 2021 at 9:00 am
Season ticket holder since 2013. I only come to this site for all Bucs info. So thanks Joe! It’s our time boys and girls. We deserve this day and to be the first team in NFL history to play in the Super Bowl in our own house. No longer are we the laughing stock. It’s time to take all the years of mockery and judgment of us and the Bucs and straight up curb stomp the packers today. Go Bucs! Go Joes!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:04 am
Yo 87, much love brother….
We’re here…and one more to go
I dont even say anything to the guys at work who keep losing bets with me…i just walk up and stare at them and let them do the talking lol….then i remind them with “i told you”
January 24th, 2021 at 9:04 am
Go Bucs.
And thank you Joe, I enjoy reading your insights of my favorite football team.
January 24th, 2021 at 9:05 am
And Joes, you guys have provided a great outlet for an escape from everyday hard hitting life….Hat tip and high fives all around for you guys…Ira too!!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:05 am
@Buc1987: I am one of those nutcase diehard fans who walked out of Tampa Stadium after many losses in the 1980s. Talked about head down and wanting to hide-truth, man. I just want to see a great football competition today. Hope the Bucs prevail!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:21 am
Still have my stub from 1st pre-season game the Bucs ever played….this feeling is rare and rightfully, everyone should soak it in for all it’s worth! I’ll be following every play like I have for the last 44 years, with my ice cold beer hoisted high enjoying the Bucs playing for the NFC championship in January!!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:22 am
Hell yea joe congrats. I literally check this here website every day to get my fix cause I also think about the Bucs 24/7 love this since I started watching in 98. Go Bucs
January 24th, 2021 at 9:28 am
Great site Joe! I haven’t lived in Florida for 20 years, but this site gives connection to the buccaneers community that I miss. Today is a special day and the Bucs are good enough to win this game.
January 24th, 2021 at 9:39 am
Enjoy the day, Bucco’s!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:43 am
Great Post Joe!
I was here from the beginning, and win or lose today, I will enjoy this moment forever.
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:46 am
Props to The Joes. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, the biggest Bucs game in 18 years.
I don’t know if the Bucs will win, and am prepared for the worst. I just know it’s been a joyous week, and thank you guys for adding to it.
January 24th, 2021 at 9:50 am
13 years of bitter disappointment (18 really…) is OVER!
Long suffering Bucs fans – ENJOY our moment in the sun. And here’s to hoping these winning ways last longer than this one glorious season.
GM Licht has done a great job building up this team – but now the hard part of keeping the momentum going and making the money work is afoot. But NONE of that matters TODAY! Today is a day to bask in the Glory of our talented team – and hopefully at 6 whatever pm – be able to celebrate in style because we are coming HOME to play in the SUPER BOWL baby!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:52 am
I was at that Lions game and the 1st at Ray Jay. Was also at Ray Jay when Baltimore went up 35-0 with 14:25 remaining in the 2nd Qtr.
Welcome Back Bucs Fans.
January 24th, 2021 at 9:53 am
It’s game time I think we are going to win today . I have a lot of confidence in this team now that we beat the saints . We can beat the Packers as well . Let’s go bucs !!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 9:59 am
Thank you Joe!! Been a Bucs fan since 97, I was 14! The core of Brooks, Sapp, Ronde, Lynch and Alstott really drew me to the Bucs. Been a loyal fan ever since! I remember the great moments, obviously the iconic Ronde pick 6, going for 2 with Alstott to win the game against the skins, instead of going to OT(what a ballsy call by Chuckie), the history Caddy made by having those 3 consecutive 100 yard games to start his career in 05, Brooks having all those pick sixes in our super bowl year, Spurlock breaking our return TD curse,I could go on and on. Also the bad, obviously the Bert Emmanuel catch/no catch that completely decided the game, not being able to beat the Eagles for a few years in the playoffs, Freeman’s inability to reach his full potential(I really wished he would’ve), the 4 game stretch of 08 to end our season where we couldn’t stop the run to save our lives(Monte Kiffin wasn’t all there), Trubisky looking like Tom Brady of 2007 against our Smitty D in 18(that one still stings!), Tanard Jackson’s addiction that kept him from being one of the best safeties of all time, the fact that Ronde and Lynch aren’t in the HOF yet, I could go on and on with the bad as well. No matter what though, I will always be a loyal Buc fan! Thanks again Joe for bringing your love of the Bucs to the masses!
January 24th, 2021 at 10:01 am
Congrats Joe’s. I visit this site every day, even off season, best Bucs coverage. Go Bucs! Leave it all on the field. Super Bowl in our house!
January 24th, 2021 at 10:03 am
Normally Joe would delete such nonsense, but perhaps it’s better to leave it. None of this babble is accurate, especially as Joe’s mom currently has COVID and is rehabbing after a hospital stay. Funny how Joe has given away loads of Buccaneers masks at Big Storm Brewery at halftime of Bucs games. You call Joe a fool but you’ve been reading and commenting here for 10 years … –Joe
Too bad this site is run by a couple of far right, climate change denying, COVID-19 denying, anti-mask wearing fools that believe writing in the 3rd person makes them above REAL journalists.😷😷😷😷😷
January 24th, 2021 at 10:10 am
100% Joe
January 24th, 2021 at 10:15 am
Shout out to all with burned-in lines from the benches at the Sombrero. From Selmon to MW13, we ride or die BUCS and we deserve every second of this. LFG!!!!
January 24th, 2021 at 10:25 am
@ JB
Jealous?
January 24th, 2021 at 10:25 am
JB, this is a Bucs fan website. Please STFU with your trolling!
January 24th, 2021 at 10:28 am
@JB
The Joe’s are fair handed journalists who happen to share a love for the Bucs
If you consider that to be far right…
Says a lot about you
January 24th, 2021 at 10:35 am
You make an excellent point Joe…….I have been through and witnessed it all. 45 seasons
A lot of heartbreak and a lot of triumphs. So many wonderful memories with my family all the way to my grandkids, it’s been a wonderful ride. You are right the stars have aligned and the football gods have looked with favor…..This is our time.
PS You are also the only source of my Buccaneer news….Its not canned or stale like the others. What you set out to do you accomplished ….Congratulations
January 24th, 2021 at 10:39 am
Joe if it helps, just got up and got online, like most days this month, the first click is to joesbucsfan.com. If you charged money, I might still come, it would be the only place I paid to go online. you are successful. Hard to explain but you make being a Bucs fan easy, no other team does that. Now the Bucs need to do their part! Go Bucs!
January 24th, 2021 at 10:39 am
JB…I knew there was a secondary reason why I like the Joes….
January 24th, 2021 at 10:48 am
Oneilbucs Says:
January 24th, 2021 at 9:53 I have a lot of confidence in this team now that we beat the saints . We can beat the Packers as well .
Better yet the players have alot more confidence, the saints game was all about playing all out and will to win and making it happen and leaving it all on the field. Gone are the days of playing prevent defense. Replaced with an, in your face entitled attitude that the ball is my ball and every play is a battleground.
January 24th, 2021 at 10:56 am
Congratulations on the milestone Joe!
Go Bucs!
January 24th, 2021 at 11:00 am
Love you Joe! Go Bucs
January 24th, 2021 at 11:01 am
Bucs fan since 1999, used to be a Saints fan but in 99 I went to NO to see the Saints vs. the Bucs. Seing that defense created such an impression I immediately switched jerseys and been rooting for the Bucs ever since. Last week was a reminder that I was not wrong with that happy move. From Tampa Bay to Mexico City or ROW we are all in LFG!
January 24th, 2021 at 11:04 am
Thanks to both Joe’s for all the work they do providing this website for all is us. I for one am very grateful. Congratulations on your success you both deserve it!
January 24th, 2021 at 11:11 am
Best Buc site on the web. Congrats!
January 24th, 2021 at 11:59 am
jb is just having an “episode” of menstrual cramps.
Perhaps a visit to C4MH for a years’ supply of extra-strength t-patches would help.
January 24th, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Love this site and the Bucs fans on it. But we have TWO more games to win starting with making Aaron Rodgers begging for Jake from State Farm for 60 minutes this afternoon. All the so-call experts have Green Bay winning which is going to make it so sweet when they have to eat crow AGAIN. They never learn not to bet against TB 12 because they are haters. That’s why their pain will be so delicious when the Bucs win. I have Tampa Bay winning by a more dominant than the score appears 10-14 points. Vita Vea has the same effect that D. White had last week and for some reason, I see JPP, Suh and Shaq totally tormenting Discount Double Check for at least 4 sacks and 3 turnovers.
January 24th, 2021 at 12:44 pm
I haven’t been posting as much due to a couple reasons:
– A new career in entertainment that involves a massive learning process
– Honestly, even though the Bucs have been winning, the damage was already done for me. I will be a Buc Fan for life, but I’ve been burned out on the whole fandom thing.
That said, JBF is my go-to site for the Bucs, and has been for more than a decade (I think? Wow.) Not too shabby.
January 24th, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Good stuffl you Joe’s are awesome.
January 24th, 2021 at 8:34 pm
I remember when the site started. Always good stuff Joe and this day has been a long time coming. Great day for fans everywhere.
January 27th, 2021 at 12:47 am
“Literally, only for this month, Joe has eclipsed 1 million actual visits to the website. The previous monthly high was only about 830,000.”
Congratulations, Joe!