5. Buccaneers LB Hardy Nickerson – 1993-1999

By Scott Reynolds

Nickerson, a five-time Pro Bowler, was a pivotal player in the rise of the Buccaneers. Signed as a highly sought after free agent from Pittsburgh, Nickerson brought attitude, leadership and toughness to a Tampa Bay team that needed all three. The veteran middle linebacker took over the Bucs and helped groom John Lynch, Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp and Ronde Barber to become future leaders.

Legendary Bucs MLB Hardy Nickerson – Photo by: Getty Images

Nickerson finished his career as the team’s all-time leading tackler with 1,028 stops before being passed by Brooks and Barber. His 214 tackles in 1993, which was his first season in Tampa Bay, is still a Bucs record for the most tackles in a single season. Nickerson posted 194 tackles in 1997 in helping lead the Bucs to their first playoff appearance in 13 years.

Known by his nicknames “El Dragon” and “Hardware,” Nickerson got the hometown crowd into the games by flexing for the fans after big plays. While he won’t make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Nickerson does belong in the Bucs Ring of Honor because he helped change the character of the Tampa Bay franchise and turn the Buccaneers into winners.

Reynolds’ Take: “Nickerson was one of my favorite Buccaneers to cover. Nobody messed with Nickerson, who was an absolute bad ass. Brooks, Sapp, Lynch and Barber all get plenty of praise for helping Tampa Bay get to – and win – the Super Bowl in 2002, but Nickerson helped lay the foundation years earlier. He’ll eventually be outside the Top 5 as other Bucs – perhaps quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans – rise over the years, but for now, Nickerson definitely deserves this top 5 distinction.”