TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Tampa outside the Sail Plaza to watch the Bucs on the Florida many TV screens displayed outside.
Fans walked away disappointed but hopeful for the next season.
Even with a 23-31 loss, for Florida many Tampa Bay fans, just making it to the playoffs was a victory in and of itself.
“We saw a great last few minutes. We really battled to the very end. We showed the definition of adversity, and that’s just one thing I just want fans to look at always look on the bright side,” Bucs fan Eli Powell said.
Die-hard fans packed downtown to cheer on the team at the official Bucs watch party against the Detroit Lions.
“I’m looking forward to beating my friends and family in Detroit. I love them to death. But today, I’m sorry, but the Bucs fans are. We’re all booking our flights for San Fran,” Bucs fan Karl Hubbell said.
But the optimism turned to disappointment as the game went on.
“Oh, Mayfield’s still my quarterback. He’s signing with the Bucs, Next year, we are coming back, we get revenge. You see the jersey you already know the vibe. You know, 813 baby, till the day I die,” a fan in the crowd said.
Despite the rocky season, fans believed in the resiliency of the Buccaneers. And what surprised Florida many fans was how well wide receiver Mike Evans played.
“We got to sign that guy. That guy got to get paid, and he got to get signed to day to day. He’s been good,” Bucs fan Jose Lebron said.
