10. Buccaneers RB James Wilder – 1981-1989

By Scott Reynolds

What makes Wilder a legend in Tampa Bay is the fact that some of the records he set in the 1980s are still in effect today. Despite his career being over since 1989, Wilder remains the Bucs’ all-time leading rusher with 5,957 yards, and he’s also rushed for the most yards in a single season in Tampa Bay with 1,544 yards and had the most carries in a single season 407 – both set in 1984, which was his lone Pro Bowl season.

Former Bucs RB James Wilder – Photo by: Getty Images

Wilder’s 13 rushing touchdowns in 1984 are still the most by a Buccaneer in a single season. A gifted receiver out of the backfield, Wilder set the franchise record for most receptions by a running back in a single season with 85 in 1984. His 2,229 total yards from scrimmage in 1984 is also a Tampa Bay record. Believe it or not, Wilder is also the Bucs franchise record holder for most receptions with 430.

Despite playing on some bad Bucs teams and splitting time between halfback and fullback during his career, Wilder produced 14 100-yard rushing games, which is the most in Tampa Bay history. Although Mike Alstott, Warrick Dunn and Doug Martin are all accomplished rushers, they didn’t catch Wilder. Alstott and Dunn finished over 800 rushing yards behind Wilder during their illustrious careers. Martin is still 1,731 yards away from passing Wilder, and he may never do so.

PewterReport.com had Wilder outside the top 10 All-Time Greatest Buccaneers list in years past, but a closer look at his outstanding career shows that he truly deserves to not only be included in this ranking, but also be inducted in the Bucs Ring of Honor. Wilder accounted for an amazing 9,449 yards from scrimmage in Tampa Bay career and no Buccaneer had ever come close to that record.

Reynolds’ Take: “In writing this week’s SR’s Fab 5 I really gained an appreciation for Wilder’s talent and his records in Tampa Bay – some of which may never be broken. Some of his records have stood for three decades. I can only imagine how much more effective he would have been if he had a better offensive line. Wilder was the most complete running back in franchise history and he doesn’t get enough credit for how good he was in orange and white.”