The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ players have voted on their Team Captains just ahead of Sunday’s 2024 season opener with the Washington Commanders. Six players, all deserving of the honor, drew massive support amongst their teammates’ ballots taken just before heading into the weekend.
Leading the Krewe.
Our 2024 captains 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tfI5YpYXuB
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 5, 2024
First and foremost, it’s no surprise to see Baker Mayfield at the top of this list. Experiencing a career resurrection as the Bucs’ starting Quarterback in 2023 was a happy accident. Mayfield entered the single season deal in 2023 expecting to compete for and hopefully win enough playing time to be re-acquired in the offseason.
Not only did Baker deliver a third consecutive NFC South title, he also trounced the Eagles in last year’s playoffs and now will don a Captain’s “C” when the red and pewter trots onto the field Sunday.
The other two offensive players to receive the honor were Left Tackle Tristan Wirfs and perennial Pro Bowler Mike Evans, who has now earned eight straight seasons with a C on his jersey. Both players signed massive new contracts this off-season and both will be top priorities for the Buccaneers to remain dominant within the ever improving NFC South and beyond.
Evans and Wirfs both epitomize what it is to be leaders and are well liked amongst their teammates. Evans is one of the most beloved players in Bucs franchise history (as well as one of the most accomplished) while Wirfs over the past 3 seasons has solidified himself as the most dominant force on the O-line as well as Baker Mayfield’s most important source of protection. Hats off to the new offensive Captains.
On the defensive side of the ball, most notably, veteran Linebacker and human wrecking ball Lavonte David garnered his 11th consecutive Captain’s C and since his third year in the League has been designated as Captain every season since. David entered the NFL in 2012 and played two seasons before hitting his stride, becoming Captain for the first time in 2014.
Defensive lineman Vita Vea was awarded his third straight Captain designation after two consecutive seasons as a top tier run stopper with a knack for pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Vea will be vital to Head Coach Todd Bowles’ aggressive defense and Bowles will rest easy knowing Vea is helping maintain a high standard in the trenches this fall.
Home of the Krewe.
See you on Sunday, Tampa Bay. pic.twitter.com/JUNYXqtySx
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 6, 2024
Finally, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. being selected was a surprise to absolutely nobody. Winfield joins Vea, Mayfield, and Evans with a newly inked massive deal to keep him on the field for the Bucs through at least 2027. Winfield was first team All-Pro in 2023 and is one of the smartest and most dominant secondary players in the entire NFL.
That wraps up our breakdown of your six Team Captains for the Tampa Bay Bucs during the 2024 season. Stay tuned for more on your favorite Florida sports teams and athletes right here at Sports Club Florida!
THE CONVERSATION.