Defensive backs
21 Joe Blahak Acquired in the allocation draft and played in the first two games starting the opener in Houston. Was then released. 45 Biff Burrell Former USC Trojan who never played in the NFL and was not drafted either. Did not suit up for any pre-season games. 27 Ricky Davis Played 10 games in the expansion season on special teams and completed a pass on a fake punt for -7 yards. Went on to play the 1977 season with the Chiefs. 43 Earl Douthitt Typical allocation draft player with no real experience and no real chance of making the Buc roster in 1976. Did play in the opening pre-season game. 14 Rod Greathouse Ferris State is not exactly known as a powerhouse of college football and hence Rod did not play in the NFL at all and never even suited up for the Buccaneers. 29 Durwood Keaton Spent 1975 with New England and came to Tampa in the allocation draft but did not make the team out of camp and never even suited up in the pre-season. 21 Don Martin Had NFL experience with New England and Kansas City before being signed as a street free agent for the final two games in 1976. 20 Reggie Pierson Signed as a free agent in November 1976 and played five games for the Bucs and even started the final game of the year as injuries hit. 12 Pete Rome Undrafted free agent signing who was cut before the fourth pre-season game without ever having even suted up for a game. 15 Robin Sinclair Undrafted free agent signing who was cut very early in training camp and so never suited up for the Bucs. Only tracked down thanks to a newspaper reference. 46 Mel Washington Was the Bucs' 11th round pick in the 1976 draft but only started one season in college and never played in the NFL at all. 24 Roscoe Word Was signed as a free agent for the final three games and ended up starting two of them in the defensive backfield. Played for four different NFL teams during 1976.
34 Cedric Brown Became a long-time starter for the Bucs but only played the season finale in 1976 having been claimed on waivers. Played in 100 Tampa Bay games. 33 Mark Cotney Probably the best pick from the allocation draft. Started for nearly a decade and remains a fan favourite today even becoming an All-Pro selection in 1983. 16 Bill Deery Undrafted free agent who never played in the NFL at all but at least we found a picture of him on the NFL Films tape. Never even appeared in a pre-season game. 24 Johnny Fuller Was obtained in a trade in June with the Saints. Had been an NFL starter but did not make the Bucs out of camp. Played the opening pre-season game. 25 Curtis Jordan 1976 draft pick who played five solid seasons as the nickel back and then won a Super Bowl ring with the Redskins. 31 Mishael Kelson 1976 draft pick whose unusual name spelling is correct. Played in Arizona junior college football. Never played in the NFL but did play three pre-season games. 42 Frank Oliver Was selected in the allocation draft and played in the first four games of 1976 before being released for good. Started three of the pre-season games. 46 Danny Reece Signed on waivers before the first game and spent five seasons in Tampa as a fearless punt returner and defensive back. 41 Mike Shaw Another real unknown from pro football annals. Undrafted free agent cornerback who never played at all in the NFL. Did dress for the pre-season opener. 28 Ken Stone Started every game at safety for the 1976 Bucs as part of a eight-year NFL career with three teams. Had eight interceptions in the 1978 season in St.Louis. 40 Mike Washington Obtained in a trade before the 1976 season and went on to play nine seasons for the Bucs with nearly 100 starts. And his pick in 1982 led to this site being born.