Sports

Bucs Debut 'Creamsicle' Uniforms Wednesday; Announce Open Practices

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers "creamsicle" throwback uniforms are coming in 2023. Fans can get a first glimpse at the uniforms on July 12.

Rookie running back Rachaad White participates in a mini camp in June at the AdventHealth Training Center.
Rookie running back Rachaad White participates in a mini camp in June at the AdventHealth Training Center. (Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Bucs photographer)

TAMPA, FL — For the first time in over a decade, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be donning nostalgic orange and white this fall.

The Buccaneers will debut the retro "Creamsicle" uniforms July 12 and will wear them against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 15, in Week Six of the 2023 NFL season.

The announcement was made in a video tribute to the late Bucs legend Lee Roy Selmon by former Buccaneer Ronde Barber, who wore the uniform in 1997 and again when the team brought them back as throwbacks in 2010-12.

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This marks the first time since the 2012 campaign that the team will sport a version of the classic uniforms it wore for the first 21 seasons since its inception.

"The return of our beloved Creamsicle uniforms for this special game is something that our fans have been passionate about for many years, and we are excited to celebrate the history of our franchise with a unique, dedicated Creamsicle gameday experience," said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. "This is more than a throwback game; it is a celebration of our legacy and some of the great moments and players that make our story so special to our fans."

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Training Camp Days Open To Public

Buccaneers training camp will officially begin on July 30, kicking off nine practices open to Krewe members and designated groups.

The first nine practices at the AdventHealth Training Center will be open to public viewing, featuring access for Krewe members, premium Krewe members, corporate partners and select groups. The 10th practice will be open to the general public, the team's first full-access training camp date in four years.

Monday, July 31, is Military Day and will feature the first padded, full-contact practice of the season. The team will conclude camp on Monday, Aug. 14 with a workout open to all fans before heading to New Jersey for a pair of joint practices with the New York Jets later that week.

Eight of the 10 allotted open practices will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be conducted on the practice fields at the AdventHealth Training Center. Covered bleacher seating will be available for those in attendance.

Sunday, Aug. 13, has been designated Women of Red Day at Training Camp presented by AdventHealth and will start at 1 p.m., also on the outdoor practice fields.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Bucs will hold a night practice inside the team's indoor practice facility beginning at 7 p.m., open to season pass members.

Bucs Prospects for 2023 Season

The Bucs' 2022 rookie class is expected to play a vital part in the success of the team in 2023 as they take on increased roles in Dave Canales' implemented offense.

All eyes will be on rookie running back Rachaad White, Luke Goedeke who will play left guard and tight end Cade Otton.

"We're going to put the best guys on the field like we always will do to have success, whether that is three tight ends, whether that is one tight end or whether that is zero tight ends," said tight end coach John Van Dam. "We are going to do whatever we need to do to win football games."

He said Canales will aim to revive the Bucs' ground attack in 2023.

With the departure of Cam Brate and Kyle Rudolph during the off season, Otton has big cleats to fill. He led all rookie tight ends with 42 receptions in 2022 and that number is expected to increase in 2023.

The run game will be accentuated come fall, with White likely playing a big role.

In 2022, White tallied 469 snaps and concluded his rookie campaign with 481 yards on 129 rushes and a touchdown for an average of 3.7 yards per attempt.

In the passing game, White amassed 290 yards on 50 receptions and two touchdowns.

"I am focused on getting better every day, getting my plays down so I can play fast," White said. "At the end of the day, it is a team game. I am focused on me and doing my job and it all comes down to my work out there, getting better footwork, getting stronger and learning in the meeting room on how to be better.:

Like last off season, the Bucs' offensive line will undergo a change. Tristan Wirfs will switch to the left side of the formation, and second-year player Luke Goedeke will return to his natural position at right tackle.

Prior to his arrival in Tampa Bay, Goedeke was a two-year starter playing right tackle at Central Michigan. He consistently drove defenders off their spot at the collegiate ranks and made the switch to left guard in the pros.

"As a rookie coming in from playing right tackle at Central Michigan to left guard, which is a move to the other side which is never easy," said General Manager Jason Licht. "I think he is going to take a big step up."

Staff Promotions

The Buccaneers announced various promotions for their football operations staff, including Mike Greenberg and John Spytek as newly appointed assistant general managers, Jackie Davidson as vice president of football research and Shane Scannell as director of pro scouting.

Greenberg was elevated from vice president of football administration to assistant general manager as he enters his 14th season with Tampa Bay and his 16th overall in the NFL. Greenberg works directly with Licht on all aspects of the salary cap, contract negotiations, compliance with the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the club's financial and strategic planning.

Spytek was promoted from vice president of player personnel to assistant general manager as he begins his eighth season with the Buccaneers in 2023. In his current role, Spytek oversees the day-to-day operations of the college and pro scouting departments for Tampa Bay. He administers free agency preparation and evaluates talent throughout the NFL landscape, as well as other professional football leagues. He works alongside Licht on the NFL Draft, key free-agent acquisitions and all personnel decisions.

In addition, the Bucs announced the promotion of John Ames and Scott DeGraff as senior athletic trainers, Mike Myrick as the senior equipment manager, Kyle Gilliam as senior food and beverage manager, Daniel Battles as senior groundskeeper and Andrew Kinch as field maintenance coordinator.

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