6 Football Players who Played for Steelers 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 Pittsburgh Steelers 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 on both the Steelers and Buccaneers.
Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell was a dynamic running back known for his patient running style and exceptional skills as a receiver out of the backfield. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bell had multiple standout seasons.
From 2013 to 2017, he racked up a total of 5336 rushing yards, 2660 receiving yards, and 42 touchdowns. After a contract dispute, Bell joined the New York Jets in 2019 and later played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 and Baltimore Ravens in 2021, but couldn’t replicate his earlier success.
Despite the later ups and downs in his career, Bell’s peak years in Pittsburgh rank among the most productive for a running back in recent NFL history.
Bell Key Stats
- 1st Team All-Pro (Steelers)
- Pro Bowl (Steelers)
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Steelers)
Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over his career, he has played for the Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brown has received multiple accolades, including seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors. He led the NFL in receptions twice (2014, 2015) and receiving yards twice (2014, 2017).
One of the highlights of his career came during the 2020-2021 NFL season when he won a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching a touchdown pass in the big game from Tom Brady. Controversies have also marked his career, including legal issues and conflicts with teams that led to suspensions and releases.
Brown Key Stats
- 1st Team All-Pro (Steelers)
- Pro Bowl (Steelers)
- Super Bowl Champ (Buccaneers)
Hardy Nickerson
Hardy Nickerson was a linebacker who had a lengthy and successful career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round, 122nd overall, in the 1987 NFL Draft out of the University of California.
Nickerson played for several teams over his 16-season career in the NFL, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Green Bay Packers. He is most associated with his time in Tampa Bay, where he made multiple Pro Bowl appearances and was a key figure in the Buccaneers’ vaunted defense.
Over the course of his career, Nickerson was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice. He amassed more than 1,500 tackles, 21 sacks, and 12 interceptions.
Nickerson Key Stats
- 1st Team All-Pro (Buccaneers)
- Pro Bowl (Buccaneers)
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.
Byron Leftwich
Byron Leftwich was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round, seventh overall, in the 2003 NFL Draft. Leftwich spent four seasons with the Jaguars, earning the starting role and demonstrating a strong arm and leadership abilities.
In Jacksonville, Leftwich threw for over 9,000 yards and 51 touchdowns. After his time with the Jaguars, he had stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout his career, he accumulated 10,532 passing yards and 58 touchdowns.
After retiring as a player, Leftwich transitioned into coaching, notably serving as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Under his guidance, the Buccaneers’ offense thrived, playing a key role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season.
Leftwich Key Stats
- Super Bowl Champ (Steelers)
Thomas Everett
Thomas Everett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th round, 94th overall, in the 1987 NFL Draft. A safety known for his exceptional coverage skills and hard-hitting style, Everett played in the NFL for 9 seasons, spending time with the Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Everett’s standout season came in 1993 when he was named to the Pro Bowl and had a career-high 97 tackles. He was also an instrumental part of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense during their back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the 1992 & 1993 seasons.
In his career, Everett totaled 21 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries. His contributions on the field were marked by intelligence, quick reflexes, and the ability to read opposing offenses, making him a key defensive player during his time in the league.
