Running back was an interesting selection with one again, three back-ups being named behind the two starters to take into account all aspects of the position. Actual running skills, receiving ability and then pass and run blocking. The Bucs have never really had a true full-back for any length of time but some consideration was given to that role as well. The two starters are two of the best offensive players in franchise history but the real discussion was around the trio backing them up. STARTER - JAMES WILDER One of the finest players ever to wear a Buccaneer uniform and started for most of his nine seasons in Tampa Bay having two monster seasons in 1984 and 1985 in which he was the Buc offense. Went to the Pro Bowl in 1984 and set an NFL record with 43 carries in a single game in 1983 and another in 1984 with 492 rushes/receptions in a single season. Went on to play briefly for the Redskins and Lions on leaving Tampa Bay but remains the franchise leader in rushing yardage and third in receptions. STARTER - MIKE ALSTOTT Spent 12 amazing seasons in Tampa Bay making numerous highlight film plays with his battering ram style of play. Was always a massive fan favourite and was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2015. Was the leading touchdown scorer in Buc franchise history when he retired and remains the second leading rusher. Six-times a Pro Bowler and the signature commentary call of Gene Deckerhoff, "Alsott up the gut touchdown Tampa Bay" is legendary in franchise history. BACK-UP - DOUG MARTIN Had a six-year career with the Bucs that featured two truly stellar seasons and four disappointing ones. Earned a contract extension after his 2015 All-Pro and Pro Bowl season but was released in February 2018 going on to play the following season with the Raiders. Posted the second best rushing season in franchise history in 2012 and owns the two best single-game rushing performances in team history. Had the unofficial nickname of “The Muscle Hamster”. BACK-UP - WARRICK DUNN Had two spells with the Buccaneers and retired as the third-leading rusher in franchise history. Had a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons and made the Pro Bowl in both 1997 and 2000. Had a six-year run with the Falcons in between his times in Tampa. Well respected off the field for his work in supplying homes for needy families. Raised his five brothers and sisters after their mother, a police officer, was killed when Warrick was in high school. BACK-UP - MICHAEL PITTMAN Played six seasons with the Buccaneers and ended as the 5th leading rusher in franchise history. Had seen a decreased role in his final three seasons with the drafting of Carnell Williams and the emergence of Earnest Graham. Had a 124-yard performance in the Super Bowl and only narrowly lost the MVP vote to Dexter Jackson in the process. Recorded the then-longest run in franchise history with a 78-yard TD dash against the Chiefs in 2004. HONORABLE MENTIONS Recent Buc fans will just name Bucky Irving without thinking which is just wrong for such an all-time roster. He has had one NFL season and only really came on in the final games of 2024. Cadillac Williams would have been there without his two knee injuries and there was no place for the late Reggie Cobb or the over-rated Errict Rhett. When it comes to full backs, the best would be Adger “Lead Dog” Armstrong who was responsible for so many of James Wilder’s great performances. Lorenzo Neal only had one season with the Bucs whilst Jameel Cook was more of a role player in that aspect.