Although the Buccaneers have only officially retired the numbers relating to Tampa Bay players in the Hall of Fame, there must be something more to the fact that no player has worn No.42 since 1990. Ricky Bell was the first overall pick of the 1977 draft and the sad story of his early death from heart disease has been often told on this site. It would be fitting if the Bucs emulated baseball's decision on No.42 never being used again, although the latter of course was for Jackie Robinson's contribution to the sport. The other players are both one-year wonders although Steve Bartalo will not have realised that his one and only NFL TD would come in his very first game in the pro ranks. And Eric Everett's brother Thomas, followed him as a member of the Tampa Bay secondary later in the 1990s. BEST EVER TO WEAR No.42 FOR THE BUCS - RICKY BELL

Click on the player's name for their profile page, Buccaneer stats and picture galleries Years Player Pos 1976 Frank Oliver CB 1977-81 Ricky Bell RB 1987 Steve Bartalo RB 1990 Eric Everett CB