Super Bowl XXXVII

Lore & Background

This was the first Super Bowl in which the league's number one-ranked offense (Raiders) faced the league's number one-ranked defense (Buccaneers). The game sometimes is referred to as the 'Gruden Bowl', because the primary storyline surrounding the game revolved around Jon Gruden. Gruden was the Raiders' head coach from 1998 to 2001, and as a result of a trade then became the Buccaneers head coach in 2002. Tampa Bay, 'Gruden's new team', made their first Super Bowl appearance in team history after posting a regular season record. The Raiders, 'Gruden's old team', advanced to their fifth Super Bowl after a regular season. Super Bowl XXXVII is also referred to as the 'Pirate Bowl' or 'Battle of the Pirates', due to both teams' pirate-themed mascots and logos.

In Their Own Story

The cold San Diego air bit at the players on the gridiron, but inside the Raiders' huddle, the chill came from within. Rich Gannon looked out at the field, seeing not just opponents, but ghosts of his own past decisions and the team that had once called him home. As the Buccaneers lined up for yet another explosive play, the roar of the crowd seemed to shift, no longer a wave of hope but a tidal wave of inevitability. The final whistle would soon blow on a dream deferred, leaving the Silver and Black in silence.

Reader's Guide

The Raiders came into the game as four-point favorites. However, offensive struggles from the Raiders, and a dominant defensive performance from the Buccaneers throughout much of the game would unravel the juggernaut Raiders offense. Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon threw a Super Bowl record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. The Buccaneers also sacked Gannon five times, and scored 34 consecutive points to build a 34–3 lead late in the third quarter. Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson, who had two of those interceptions and returned them for 34 yards, was named Super Bowl MVP. Jackson became only the second safety and third defensive back named Super Bowl MVP.

Did You Know?

• To date, this is the last Super Bowl to be played in the month of January, as all subsequent games have been played in February.
• This was the last Super Bowl to be played at Qualcomm Stadium, which previously hosted Super Bowl XXII and Super Bowl XXXII before it was demolished in 2021.
• The Raiders scored 21 points in the game, including a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Porter, a blocked punt return for a touchdown by Tim Johnson, and a 48-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Rice.
• Raiders head coach during the 2002 season was Bill Callahan, who was promoted after Jon Gruden was traded to the Buccaneers.