9 Football Players who Played for Browns and Buccaneers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Browns and the Buccaneers.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield was selected 1st overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2017 while at the University of Oklahoma. He then won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.
Mayfield was been credited with bringing renewed energy and competitiveness to the Browns franchise, helping them make the playoffs in the 2020 NFL season for the first time since 2002.
However, injuries hurt his production during the end of his time in Cleveland and he was subsequently traded to the Panthers. Mayfield has bounced around a bit since then, fighting for another starting quarterback role.
Trent Dilfer
Trent Dilfer played in the NFL from 1994 to 2007, most well-known as a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens. Dilfer earned a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV after the 2000 season, becoming the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl after being signed as a free agent.
Over his career, he threw for more than 20500 yards, with 113 touchdown passes and 129 interceptions.
Dilfer also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers, before transitioning to a broadcasting career with ESPN post-retirement.
Dilfer Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Buccaneers)
- Super Bowl Winner (Ravens)
Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia carved out a notable career in the NFL (and also excelled in the Canadian Football League (CFL)). Starting his professional career in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, he won the Grey Cup in 1998.
Garcia then moved to the NFL, spending the most significant part of his career with the San Francisco 49ers (1999–2003), where he earned Pro Bowl honors three times.
Known for his scrambling ability and toughness, Garcia passed for 25,537 yards and 161 touchdowns in the NFL. Despite stints with four other NFL teams, he’s most remembered for his time with the 49ers.
Garcia Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (49ers, Buccaneers)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (49ers)
Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde’s NFL career spanned an impressive 21 seasons, during which he showcased resilience, talent, and an ability to adapt. Selected as the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1987, Testaverde played for seven teams, with his longest tenures at Tampa Bay and the New York Jets.
Despite a rocky start with the Buccaneers, Testaverde went on to throw for over 46,000 yards and 275 touchdowns in his career, making two Pro Bowl appearances. He led the Jets to the AFC Championship game in the 1998 season.
He holds the NFL record for throwing touchdowns to 70 different players, a testament to his lengthy career and adaptability. Testaverde retired in 2007, wrapping up one of the longest careers for a quarterback in NFL history.
Testaverde Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Ravens, Jets)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (Buccaneers, Ravens, Jets, Cowboys)
Bruce Gradkowski
Bruce Gradkowski, a quarterback with a journeyman career in the NFL, played from 2006 to 2012.
Initially drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Gradkowski also had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 37 games over his career, Gradkowski threw for 4,057 yards with a completion percentage of 52.9%. He recorded 21 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
James Brooks
James Brooks had an impressive NFL career as a running back, highlighted by his time with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1984 to 1991. Selected 24th overall in the 1981 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Brooks was eventually traded to Cincinnati where he truly shined.
He was known for his dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver. In his career, Brooks recorded 7962 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, along with 3621 receiving yards and 30 receiving touchdowns.
Brooks was a 4-time Pro Bowl selection and helped lead the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, though they, unfortunately, lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
Brooks Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Bengals)
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Bengals)
Josh McCown
Josh McCown, known for his resilience and adaptability, carved out a noteworthy 17-year career in the NFL – mostly as a reliable backup quarterback.
From his entry into the league with the Arizona Cardinals in 2002, he played for 9 different teams, a few times as the starting QB, but also stepping in and performing effectively whenever called upon when he wasn’t.
He threw for over 17,000 yards and 98 touchdowns, holding a career passer rating of around 80. Particularly impressive stints came with the Chicago Bears in 2013 and the New York Jets in 2017.
Lomas Brown
Lomas Brown was known as one of the NFL’s top offensive tackles during his career. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round, 6th overall, in the 1985 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Brown played 11 seasons for the Lions, during which he earned Pro Bowl honors seven times and 1st Team All-Pro once.
In addition to the Lions, Brown also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a part of the 2002 Buccaneers team that won the Super Bowl.
Over his 18-year career, Brown was recognized not only for his athleticism but also for his leadership and intelligence on the field. His excellent footwork, combined with his size and strength, made him an effective and durable player, appearing in 263 games in total.
Luke McCown
Luke McCown had a lengthy NFL career, spanning over a decade, predominantly in a backup quarterback role. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
After spending time with the Browns, he moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played from 2005 to 2008, and had some opportunities as a starter, showcasing potential in various games.
His journey in the NFL continued with stints at several other teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and the New Orleans Saints. Throughout his time with the Saints, McCown served as a reliable backup to Drew Brees and even started in a couple of games.
