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Tampa Bay Buccaneers announce return date for creamsicle uniforms

DSprofileby: Dustin Schutte06/12/23DLS1066206
buccaneers helmet
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

One of the best old-school uniforms in the NFL makes a triumphant return in 2023. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have teased the return of the “Creamsicle” uniforms for months, we finally have a date set.

Tampa Bay made the announcement via Twitter on Monday morning. Already, fans are marking their calendars for the big day.

“Hey, Hey, Tampa Bay!” the tweet started. “The Creamsicles officially return October 15 against the Detroit Lions.”

Tampa Bay sported the Creamsicle uniforms from 1976-96 before switching to the pewter and red. The uniform is complete with the old-school “Bucco Bruce” logo on the helmet.

Retro and old-school uniforms have become popular among NFL fans in recent years, so seeing Tampa Bay return to the Creamsicle look — even if it’s just for one game — is a popular decision. You can bet everyone will be tuned in, at least for a few minutes, to catch this classic look.

The Oct. 15 meeting with the Lions comes in Week 6 of the NFL season, but will be the Bucs’ fifth game of the 2023 campaign. It comes one week after a bye.

Can Tampa Bay’s offense move in the right direction?

There’s no question Tampa Bay’s offense struggled throughout the 2022 season. Even with the never-aging Tom Brady under center, the Buccaneers never really gained much momentum.

Former head coach Bruce Arians provided an explanation as to what went wrong for the team last year. He said the Bucs lacked “fire.” But he believes that can change entering 2023, thanks to what Baker Mayfield brings to the franchise.

“A little fire. I think we needed a little bit of fire on offense,” Arians said of Mayfield, via Joe Bucs Fan. “But you gotta go back and look at Kyle Trask [on May 23]; He had a great end of practice. So it’s a nice battle. So it’s a nice battle. You got two young guys who I think are extremely talented and they’re doing a great job.”

Tampa Bay limped into the postseason in 2022, posting an 8-9 record yet still winning the NFC South. In order to have a more accomplished season this fall, it starts on the offensive end.

Arians likes what Mayfield brings to the mix.

“Baker has been there and done it, and has I think a little bit of an edge just because of that leadership and having been in the huddle with pro guys a lot,” Arians said. “But the guys really respect Kyle also. I love [Baker]. I think he just brings a charisma and a fire to your offense.”