McKays made an impression on franchise, city

Just as the late-afternoon sun begins to set on the stadium he helped build, Rich McKay plans to cherish the moment as the Buccaneers celebrate throwback Sunday.

The president of the Atlanta Falcons and former Tampa Bay general manager will share a special occasion in spirit with his late father, representing John McKay as the first coach in Bucs history is inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony.

"As a family, we all go back to that first season, 1976, and some times that were really challenging,'' McKay said from Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga. "We were pretty much the only friends we had back then. I can't wait to relive some old memories with coaches, players and fans.''

Following an 0-26 start, John McKay guided the Bucs to three playoff appearances in his nine seasons on the sideline.

He follows Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon into Tampa Bay's Ring of Honor, and Rich McKay boasts his own impressive set of accomplishments as a Bucs executive before his messy departure late in the 2003 season.

"It's going to be a big day for Rich,'' said cornerback Ronde Barber, the only Bucs player remaining from the 2002 championship club forged in large part by McKay's personnel decisions. "He had good years here, and I think everybody respects what he was able to do as our GM. He and his dad left a heck of a legacy in Tampa.''

McKay's first two draft picks in 1995 as a first-year general manager were linebacker Derrick Brooks and defensive tackle Warren Sapp, two perennial Pro Bowl players who ultimately defined their positions for their generation.

"Obviously, that draft ... that's what we're all trying to do as GMs,'' said Mark Dominik, who was hired by McKay in '95 as a pro personnel assistant. "Without question, Sunday is going to be emotional for Rich. It will be a flashback for him in terms of what he and his dad were able to do for this organization.''

Rich McKay said he has long since moved on from his controversial split with the organization in December 2003, only 10 months after he and former coach Jon Gruden took turns hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

"I love going to Raymond James Stadium, especially knowing what we went through just to get it built,'' McKay said. "I have nothing but positive feelings. When you change franchises in this league, regardless of what you did for your previous team, you get over your emotions pretty quickly.''

McKay's oldest son, Hunter, served as a Tampa Bay ball boy when Coach Raheem Morris worked with the Bucs' secondary.

"I've got a great relationship with Rich and his family,'' Morris said. "He left for Atlanta to start a new career, but it's not forgotten what he and his father did here. He's coming to Tampa Sunday to honor his dad and, sooner or later, honor the guys he drafted and maybe Rich McKay himself. I keep inviting him and his family into our building because they're part of who we are.''

The Falcons hired Thomas Dimitroff to replace McKay as general manager in 2008. While retaining his title as club president, McKay oversees Atlanta's business operations and is working with owner Arthur Blank on plans for a new stadium.

"Rich built the foundation of a winning football team here in Tampa ... what more do you want from a GM?'' Barber said. "He made some smart picks, and not just the big-name guys. A lot of his middle and late-round picks turned out to be good players, so his legacy is pretty secure. I've got to imagine he'll be a little sentimental Sunday.''

McKay, 51, also serves as co-chairman of the NFL's Competition Committee and his Falcons top the NFC at 9-2 heading into Sunday's 4:15 p.m. matchup in Tampa.

When it became apparent that he and Gruden had different philosophies, McKay moved from Tampa Bay's front office to a rival NFC South team.

The timing was awkward, with two weeks remaining in the season, but Blank was elated to land his man, and the Glazers decided not to seek compensation.

"I felt pretty good about the terms I left on,'' McKay said. "I've always had a great relationship with the Glazer family - they were unbelievably supportive and I'm very impressed by the Bucs this season. They are playing awfully well heading into our game against them, and it's a credit to the players and their coaching staff.''