Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer has passed away, the team announced today in a press release. Glazer, who was 85 years old, had owned the Tampa Bay franchise since 1995, overseeing the Bucs’ first and only Super Bowl championship in 2002.
During Glazer’s tenure as owner, the Buccaneers transformed from an NFL laughingstock to one of the league’s more respectable organizations. The team had endured 12 straight losing seasons prior to Glazer’s purchase in January of 1995, but totaled nine winning seasons and earned seven playoff berths during his ownership.
Glazer, who also owned the Premier League’s Manchester United, becomes the third longtime NFL owner to pass away this season, following Henry Ford of the Lions and Ralph Wilson of the Bills. According to the Bucs, wife Linda Glazer and her six children will continue to own and operate the franchise.
Our condolences go out to Glazer’s friends and family.