Growing up in Canada, it was nearly impossible to watch Buccaneers’ games. Following my favorite team meant waiting for the NFL Today CBS halftime show with Irv Cross, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, Brent Musburger and Phyllis George or Jayne Kennedy, praying that I might get a 10-second clip of the Bucs game.
I used to dial a number that allowed me to listen to the Bucs radio broadcast, I can’t remember how much that added to my parents’ phone bill, but the fact that I only remember doing it a few times tells me it probably wasn’t cheap!
I was also an original subscriber to Pewter Report Magazine, which started as a newspaper before eventually becoming a magazine with a glossy cover. Unfortunately, because it had to be delivered to Canada, I would receive each issue about a week after the game had already been played. It didn’t matter. It still gave me something to read about my team.
Then everything changed when DirecTV came along with those pizza-sized satellite dishes. I was suddenly able to watch most of the Bucs games. I had to use a U.S. address, and the system wasn’t always reliable—it seemed to crash at the worst possible times—but it was a game changer.
That was when my fandom really took off. I could watch the local broadcasts, follow the team more closely and, in my mind, pretend that I actually lived in Tampa.
Looking Back
When my 2026 self looks back on those days, one thing is pretty clear: I was determined to do whatever it took to follow this team.
Today, things couldn’t be more different. There is literally not enough time to watch, read and listen to every YouTube channel, article and podcast covering the Bucs. Being retired certainly helps, but even then, keeping up with everything can feel like a full-time job.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Bucs play their first home game tonight against the Chiefs, and I can’t wait to watch, read and listen to all the game-day coverage.
Because after all these years, I AM a fan!
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
