2 weeks Ago
There have been many Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft selections over the years that deserve to go down in history — some for very different reasons than others. For example, the selections of Roberto Auguayo and Vernon Hargreaves will be remembered much differently than the selections of Derrick Brooks and Mike Evans — for obvious reasons. READ MORE: Recent intel suggests Buccaneers could make big move in round 1 But when evaluating Tampa Bay's historic draft picks over the years, the selection of Gerald McCoy at number 3 overall in 2010 stands out among the rest.
Despite not winning many games in Tampa Bay, McCoy had a long and successful pro career. But that's not the only reason why his selection deserves to be remembered. Gerald McCoy deserves credit for pioneering a trend that has not only stuck around since he was drafted 15 years ago, but one that has become common practice, demonstrated by practically every player who has ever walked across the stage to greet commissioner Roger Goodell since.
Of course, I'm talking about the first-ever draft hug. On Tuesday, the Buccaneers social media team decided to pay homage to McCoy for starting this trend with a post on social media. Gerald McCoy's infamous hug on draft night 15 years ago is a very accurate representation of the type of person he is.
A ferocious competitor in the trenches on the field, but a charismatic personality always willing to engage in a warm embrace off of it. READ MORE: Ex-NFL exec has Buccaneers landing top CB READ MORE: Trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend among best draft deals of all time Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason. Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News • Trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend among best draft deals of all time • Buccaneers potential draft targets and best fits: Slot wide receivers • Buccaneers star Mike Evans sends message to Baker Mayfield • NFL analyst says Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield could use 'Rory McIlroy-like moment'.
