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Fans Show Pewter Pride

The new Buccaneer cheerleader squad signed autographs at 2008 Bucs Fan Fest held at Raymond James Stadium.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 15, 2008

TAMPA - On a sweltering Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, it was cool to be a Buccaneer fan.

Surrounded by thousands of their peers in quest of autographs, photos, cold water and shade, Tampa Bay supporters turned out in record numbers during FanFest.

For more than four hours, there was little chatter about embattled tight end Jerramy Stevens or disgruntled quarterback Chris Simms as Buc Nation cheered on coach Jon Gruden and the defending NFC South champions.

"I feel good about this football team," said Chris Lundquist, a two-year season-ticket holder from Riverview who attended Saturday's free event with his wife, Sarah. "I like Chris Simms, but I don't feel like the Bucs did him wrong."

Despite on-field temperatures that approached 100 degrees, a crowd pegged by Bucs officials at 30,000 enjoyed an opportunity to pose for pictures and exchange a sweaty handshake with players and coaches.

"This is a much bigger crowd than last year," Sarah Lundquist said. "Of course, we're not coming off a 4-12 season, either. I think Jon Gruden is a fantastic coach and I hope he's here for a long time."

Notable absentees from FanFest included Stevens, Simms and the Glazers, but starting quarterback Jeff Garcia kept busy signing autographs.

Running back Earnest Graham, who didn't attend Tampa Bay's voluntary offseason workouts and is unhappy with his contract status, said he will report to the team facility Tuesday, when the Bucs open up a mandatory three-day minicamp.

"I miss the guys and I'll be there Tuesday," Graham said. "I'm confident things will get worked out before training camp."

Gruden mentioned Graham's presence during his brief remarks to an adoring crowd.

"I love you all for coming out here and supporting our football team," Gruden said. "With your help, we can be great and win it all again. Earnest Graham is in the house today ... let's hear it for Earnest Graham."

Gruden's introduction was saved for last, moments after excitable defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin lived up to his billing as the franchise's prime motivational speaker.

"There's two things you've got to know about FanFest - it's gonna be hot and there's gonna be great fans here," said Kiffin, whose voice began straining by his third sentence. "Winning affects this whole town. When we don't win, restaurants shut down early, our bars shut down early. Isn't it fun to go to work when the Bucs win?"

General Manager Bruce Allen continues to be amazed by the love affair between the Bucs and the community.

"It's a special bond," Allen said, "and it's been fostered over the years. Football is a vital part of the fabric here. It's great for our players to feel our fans."

While Gruden and Allen sat side-by-side, signing autographs and posing for pictures, the Vince Lombardi Trophy was displayed in the main concourse, only a soft Garcia toss away.

"This is a chance for us as an organization to get reconnected with our fans and it's an awesome day," Gruden said. "Look at them - these people are out in full force."

Tampa Bay's seventh-year coach had a message for those who persevered through the long, snaking lines.

"We're going to be pretty good this year," Gruden said, "unless the head coach messes things up."

On the club level, 11-year-old Dylan Mlotkowski of St. Petersburg displayed a wide grin after bagging eight autographs from his favorite NFL club.

"There were more people out here today than I thought would come," he said. "We've got a winning team and a good defense. As long as he doesn't mess up, Jerramy Stevens is all right with me. Now we've got Warrick Dunn, too. He's getting a little old, but he can still play."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at ikaufman@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7833.

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