[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H222-H224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XXXVII

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 31) congratulating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 
winning Super Bowl XXXVII.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 31

       Whereas, on Sunday, January 26, 2003, the Tampa Bay 
     Buccaneers dominated Super Bowl XXXVII, defeating the Oakland 
     Raiders by a score of 48-21;
       Whereas the 27-year-old Buccaneers franchise won the 
     National Football League's World Championship in their first-
     ever Super Bowl appearance;
       Whereas coach Jon Gruden, in his first year as head coach 
     of the Buccaneers, led the team to the pinnacle of success;
       Whereas the Buccaneers overcame adversity and defeated the 
     Oakland Raiders, a team credited with possessing the number-
     one ranked offense in the National Football League;
       Whereas throughout the season the Buccaneers were led by a 
     number of players, most notably veterans Warren Sapp, Derrick 
     Brooks and John Lynch, who banded together to form the 
     number-one ranked defense in the National Football League;
       Whereas owner Malcolm Glazer's unwavering dedication to 
     bringing together the most talented coaches and players has 
     resulted in the achievement of the most sought-after honor in 
     professional football: the Vince Lombardi trophy;
       Whereas the Buccaneers are an integral part of the Tampa 
     Bay community;
       Whereas the entire Tampa Bay community is proud of the 
     Buccaneers and their extraordinary season and tremendous 
     accomplishment;
       Whereas this championship is especially satisfying to the 
     dedicated Buccaneers fans who have loyally supported the team 
     since their inception in 1976; a very long journey that has 
     culminated in a Super Bowl victory and the recognition that 
     the Buccaneers are the best football team in the world: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     the World Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their victory in 
     Super Bowl XXXVII.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Putnam) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam).


                             General Leave

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great day in the State of Florida. The 
jubilation, the celebration is still going on in the streets of Tampa 
and in large cities and small towns all over the Sunshine State as we 
rejoice in the victory of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl 
XXXVII, a decisive win, the second highest number of points scored in 
any Super Bowl.
  The Buccaneers brought forth a talented offense and a legendary 
defense with undoubtedly several future Hall of Famers.
  Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if we did not begin by recognizing the 
man who brought us to the top of that mountain, the youngest coach to 
ever coach a winning team in the Super Bowl, Jon Gruden, who built on 
the foundation laid by Tony Dungy and brought spirit, hope and promise 
to that team by repeating the same mantra: pound the rock, pound the 
rock, keep pounding away at the opportunities, keep pounding away at 
the other team's offense, seize the moments and capitalize on the other 
team's mistakes and weaknesses.
  Those outstanding players who were there to back him up, under the 
visionary leadership of the owners, the Glazer family, were able to 
capitalize on an opportunity to bring the Tampa Bay area their first 
Super Bowl championship.
  Mr. Speaker, the community spirit that was there, the fans who have 
suffered through a number of seasons of poor performances, of missed 
opportunities, they were well rewarded last Sunday afternoon in San 
Diego. Those fans who have scrimped and saved to purchase season 
tickets, they have endured a series of coaches, a series of top-notch 
draft opportunities. They have endured heart-breaking losses in the 
final seconds, and frankly, embarrassing losses at the beginning of the 
game for seasons on end. Their determination, their patience paid off; 
and so this victory, while it is incredibly sweet for the team, it is 
very altogether fitting and proper for the owners, the real victory is 
for the fans who have done so much and given so much to keep that team 
spirit alive, and the Tampa Bay area is, therefore, rewarded with this 
Super Bowl championship.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Florida in consideration 
of this resolution, Mr. Speaker. Since the first professional football 
game in the United States took place in 1895 in the town of Latrobe, 
Pennsylvania, football has become one of America's favorite pastimes. 
As a matter of fact, it is so popular and so etched in the minds and 
hearts of Americans, until many people stop whatever they are doing 
when it comes time for the Super Bowl.
  The Buccaneers' magical season began at the Magic Kingdom, as the 
bucks held training camp at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. It 
ended on Sunday with the Bucs defeating the Oakland Raiders in Super 
Bowl XXXVII for the franchise's first world championship.
  Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden's, masterful coaching throughout the 
2002 playoffs paid off in the Super Bowl as the Bucs always seemed to 
make the right call at the right time.
  Facing the league's most potent offense in the first-ever Super Bowl 
match-up of the league's top-rated offense and defense, the Bucs 
surrendered just 269 yards, only 78 by the time Tampa Bay had built a 
34-3 lead. The Bucs controlled the clock for over 37 of the 60 game 
minutes.
  Joining the 1985 Bears as the only team in National Football League 
history to lead the National Football League in yards allowed, points 
allowed and interceptions in the same season, the Bucs racked up five 
interceptions and five sacks in stifling the Raiders' quarterback Rich 
Gannon.
  The Buccaneers more than deserved the warm welcome when they returned 
home to a packed Raymond James Stadium on Monday night and victory 
parade through the town on Tuesday.
  During the parade, thousands of fans lined the street and screamed 
their approval as the players drove by in convertibles and pickup 
trucks.
  The Bucs were equally grateful. Manager Rich McKay said, ``We have 
heard a lot about the Eagles fans and we have heard a lot about the 
Raiders fans. We have heard a lot about all these fans, but I think we 
all know who the best fans in the United States of America are, and 
they are the Buccaneers fans.''
  The Bucs and their fans were simply happy that the Bucs have become 
the world champs by a margin of 48 to 21, no less for the first time in 
the franchise's 27-year history.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution introduced by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis) honoring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Young), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on 
Appropriations and senior member of the Florida delegation.
  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we are rightfully proud in the 
Tampa Bay area of our team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; and I want to 
thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis), my colleague from Tampa 
and my neighbor, for introducing this resolution calling attention to 
the tremendous success of the team.
  Also, Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to compliment both teams. 
I

[[Page H223]]

know we had the Raiders, their team and their coach, and we had the 
Buccaneers, our team and our coach. They gave America, and especially 
America's sports fans, a tremendous Sunday afternoon. It was exciting. 
It was an exciting time and the challenge was real, and the Buccaneers 
really came through; and as my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Putnam), said, we had a dry season for quite a while, but we finally 
made it.
  In the few seconds that I have left, I wanted to make this comment, 
that since I have been in the Congress, many people have told me to 
quit talking so much about national defense because I have been here 
preaching about a strong national defense ever since I came here many 
years ago; but I think Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved 
there ain't nothing like a good defense.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would remind all persons in the 
gallery that they are here as guests of the House of Representatives 
and that any manifestation of approval or disapproval of proceedings or 
other audible conversation is in violation of the rules of the House.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he might consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis), my 
colleague and classmate, who is the originator of this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding 
me the time.
  I think, what is a relatively somber time in Washington as we debate 
issues about national defense and having a strong and smart defense, 
that it is appropriate that we take time to honor another collection of 
heroes whom I am terribly proud to speak on behalf of today.

                              {time}  1215

  As a lifelong resident of Tampa, and now a representative of the 
Tampa Bay area, as all of us will be that speak today, along with some 
other Floridians, I take tremendous pride in offering this resolution, 
with others, not to celebrate just a victory, because that is not 
exactly what happened on Sunday. The Bucs did not just win, I think 
they won with class and they won with style. It is not just about 
winning, it is about how you win, and the Bucs won the right way.
  As a resident of the community, I am so terribly proud of each of 
these individuals, the attention that has come to them and will 
continue to come to them, about the personal sacrifices they have made 
to play their hearts out on the field, the terrific contributions they 
are making to our community as leaders, particularly with young people, 
and all kinds of scholarships and charities that I do not have time to 
talk about today. It just makes me very proud and really speaks to why 
these people are leaders on the field and off the field.
  The other important thing that has happened in my community, that my 
colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam), alluded to, is the 
tremendous solidarity this team has brought. It has brought together 
people of all walks of life, an important lesson for Congress to learn, 
about how you can get people to overlook differences of all kinds that 
we can imagine to focus simply on the goal, and celebrating victory 
that has been many, many years in the coming.
  I would like to share a few facts about the history of the team for 
those people that are just beginning to pay attention to this truly 
amazing story about the Bucs' victory. Since 1976, when the Bucs 
started as an expansion team, the Tampa Bay area has embraced this team 
and cherished and supported the team through some very tough times. In 
the first season, the Bucs went 0 and 26. The former coach, John McKay, 
was asked after one game what he thought of the team's execution, and 
his response was, he was all for execution.
  There were bright spots in those earlier years as well. Hall of Fame 
defensive lineman and current University of South Florida athletic 
director Lee Roy Selmon and the 1980 NFC championship team were a 
stellar performance for the Bucs, although the Bucs lost that game 
barely.
  When Rich McKay, a former high school classmate of mine, took over 
the general manager position, and Tony Dungy, who is just a wonderful 
person and terrific coach, hit the field, things began to turn around. 
The owner of the team, Malchom Glazer, began to invest the money in the 
team that needed to be invested from the beginning. As a result, in the 
6 years after that, the Bucs made the playoffs 5 times. They reached 
the NFC championship game in 2000 and became league leaders in Pro Bowl 
appearances over that time and began to build this incredible, strong 
and smart defense.
  John Gruden, who has been mentioned, is a story that speaks for 
himself. He is a wonderful coach. He showed true genius on the field. 
The defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffen, showed how to play defensive 
football in ways that will be a model for years to come.
  The game is over now. No matter what happens next, the Bucs will 
always be remembered as the winners of Super Bowl XXXVII. Nothing can 
ever take that away from them. I want to congratulate not just the team 
and the coaches, but all the players and coaches that came before them 
and laid the foundation that we are celebrating today, as well as all 
the players and fans that have really sacrificed to support this team.
  I want to finally close by urging my colleagues to support the 
resolution, and I want to especially urge the Members of Congress in 
the Oakland area to support this resolution. I know it was tough to 
lose to the Bucs, but, clearly, the Bucs demonstrated they were 
entitled to this.
  A lot of people talk about the west coast and the Bay area as a very 
important part of the country. That has been true for a long time. The 
San Francisco, Oakland, Silicon Valley area is what we all think of 
nationally when we think of the Bay area in the west coast. But, guess 
what? The Bucs have helped us remember that part of the future of this 
country is another west coast, another bay area, and it is the Tampa 
Bay area. It is the west coast of Florida, as these terrific Members of 
Congress will speak to here today, all of whom are really overshadowed 
and humbled to be in the company of a wonderful group of players and 
competitors and citizens of Florida.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I again would urge adoption of the resolution.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Palm 
Beach, Florida (Mr. Foley).
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this 
time, and of course I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Davis).
  Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Bucs and all who live in Tampa Bay, 
St. Petersburg, and all the environs. As a fan of the Dolphins, and 
coming from southeast Florida, many of us obviously wished the Dolphins 
great success, the last team in Florida to win a Super Bowl until this 
outstanding victory of our west coast compatriots.
  Governor Gray Davis will have to pay up the debt to our own Governor, 
Jeb Bush, so we are excited that we had two victories over this past 
weekend. But the thrill of competition and the teamwork that took place 
was evidenced in that outstanding, incredible, incredible victory.
  I want to commend both gentlemen that serve us in Congress 
representing the west coast of Florida for their leadership on this 
resolution and for their taking time to honor the skills of the 
athlete. I think the gentleman from Tampa, Florida (Mr. Davis), spoke 
eloquently about the members of the team who give back to their 
community outside of their professional sports endeavors; that actually 
mentor the kids; that work in the educational environment; help in 
inner-city schools, and do things that display the kind of character we 
hope all professional athletes will emulate.
  Oftentimes role models for young kids who are struggling to find a 
role model to look up to are those that make a lot of money and drive 
fancy cars. Many on the team take time out of their own lives and 
professional endeavors to help those children. So this is not only a 
victory for a team on the field, it is a victory for the kids off the 
field.
  So as Tampa Bay will continue to celebrate this outstanding 
achievement of a phenomenal team, we in

[[Page H224]]

southeast Florida are all proud Tampa Bay Buccaneers, too. Mr. Glazer 
is a resident of Palm Beach, so we kind of share the opportunity to 
have the owner of the team in our county, but we also have a chance now 
as all Floridians to articulate the kind of excitement we felt that 
night when the time ran out on the clock and we, in fact, had another 
Super Bowl championship to put in the case of history.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am sure that people throughout all America join with our colleagues 
from Florida in paying tribute to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I join with 
them in their enthusiasm, and urge swift passage of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. BrownWaite).
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was never a football 
fan until I moved to the Tampa Bay area. I think it was the contagious 
enthusiasm both from my husband and my grandchildren that converted me 
to become a Tampa Bay Bucs fan.
  I rise today to congratulate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their 
outstanding performance and subsequent victory in Sunday's Super Bowl. 
The Super Bowl was the most watched Super Bowl ever in history. I do 
not know whether it is just because every television set in Florida was 
tuned in or not, but it was the most viewed Super Bowl in history.
  The Buccaneers' victory of 48 to 21 over the Oakland Raiders came at 
long last to very, very patient Tampa Bay Bucs fans such as myself and 
my family, who endured many, many years of sticking with the Bucs even 
when they weren't winning. We knew it was just a matter of time, and 
that time came this past Sunday. The Buccaneer defense scored three 
touchdowns from five interceptions, and that was a Super Bowl record.
  Aside from congratulating the team, I would also like to congratulate 
John Gruden, the NFL's youngest coach. In his very first year, he took 
the Tampa Bay Bucs on to victory. We would be remiss if we did not also 
thank Tony Dungy, the former coach, because he was able to develop that 
team and develop the team to the point where their defense was so 
strong.
  I would certainly congratulate all of the members of the Buccaneer 
team and as well to the Oakland Raiders. It was a hard-fought battle. 
Somebody had to win, and I am just darn glad that it was the Tampa Bay 
Bucs.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Harris).
  (Ms. HARRIS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, as a seasoned ticket holder of the Tampa Bay Bucs since 
the beginning of their creation, I can only tell my colleagues that we 
are so thrilled over their victory, and I rise to congratulate the 
world champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their extraordinary victory in 
Super Bowl XXXVII.
  This season the Bucs epitomized what Americans admire most in a 
champion. They won because of an incredible defense and an effective 
offense, which they built with outstanding talent and refined through 
extraordinary coaching.
  This championship did not emerge overnight. It followed many years of 
grit and perseverance, during which the Glazer family, general manager 
Rich McKay, and former head coach Tony Dungy built a winner brick by 
brick.
  Head coach John Gruden brought this sleeping giant to life. Like the 
leadership of this great body, he united a team of diverse talents and 
personalities behind his vision, flawlessly executing his championship 
blueprint through his team's discipline, dedication, and character.
  On behalf of the citizens of southwest Florida, I congratulate Coach 
Gruden and the entire Bucs organization for a job very well done. They 
have made our Tampa Bay region very proud.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, there is a tremendous amount of pride 
from the Florida delegation in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We certainly 
are grateful to Tampa's hometown Congressman, the gentleman from 
downtown Tampa, Florida (Mr. Davis), for introducing this resolution. 
He serves with a great deal of class, just as the Buccaneers were 
victorious with class, and the fans have celebrated with class.
  This team gives back to the community, and the community is 
rightfully joyful in this celebration today. All of us are so proud of 
the work the Glazer family and Coach Gruden has done, and so I urge 
adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support 
for this resolution and salute the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for winning 
Super Bowl 37.
  The Buccaneers have proven themselves through the years. From their 
humbling 0-26 start in 1976 and winless first season and a half, the 
Bucs have evolved into a force with which to be reckoned--the Champions 
of Super Bowl 37.
  As a Bucs season ticket-holder and longtime resident of the Tampa Bay 
area, I am proud to have witnessed the years of change and hard work 
that culminated in Sunday's triumph over the Oakland Raiders.
  Former Coach Tony Dungy deserves much of the credit for this victory. 
He changed the character of the team by instilling in them a focus on 
community, character, and leadership. His hard work, and that of many 
other coaches, players and team staff, created the solid foundation 
upon which today's Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers stand.
  The youngest coach ever to win a Super Bowl, Jon Gruden has built 
upon that foundation and continued the legacy of hard work and 
responsibility. I commend him for leading the Bucs to their first-ever 
Super Bowl appearance and victory. The Buccaneers paid a hefty price 
for Coach Gruden, but it was a price well worth paying, because 
football's ultimate treasure, the Lombardi Trophy, is where it 
belongs--in Tampa Bay.
  Certainly, no congratulatory speech would be complete without 
honoring the players themselves. Coming into the game as the underdogs, 
the Buccaneers stayed the course and fought hard to secure their 
championship. An outstanding defensive effort prevented the Raiders 
from gaining momentum. Tampa's defense returned three of a Super Bowl 
record five interceptions for touchdowns, dashing any hopes Oakland may 
have had in winning the title of World Football Champions.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent part of the Tampa Bay area and 
to be here today to offer my congratulations to Coach Gruden and the 
players. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring the 
Buccaneers for their hard work and their well-deserved Super Bowl 
title.
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I having no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Isakson). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 31.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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