Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for almost two decades, passed away Wednesday at the age of 85, the club said.
Also the Buccaneers’ president, Glazer purchased the franchise from Hugh Culverhouse in March 1995. In Glazer’s tenure as owner, the Buccaneers captured their lone NFL title to date, a 48-21 defeat of the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003.
The club made two key coaching decisions during Glazer’s ownership, hiring Tony Dungy in 1996, then replacing Dungy with Jon Gruden in 2002. Dungy led the Buccaneers to four playoff appearances, while Gruden’s first season was capped by the Super Bowl win against Oakland, his former club. To acquire Gruden from the Raiders, the Buccaneers surrendered two first-round picks, two second-round selections and cash.
A successful businessperson and investor, Glazer also owned the world famous Manchester United soccer club. Moreover, the Glazer Family Foundation, founded in 1999, is a charitable organization that aims to help Tampa-area children and families.
“Malcolm Glazer was the guiding force behind the building of a Super Bowl-champion organization,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement on Wednesday. “His dedication to the community was evident in all he did, including his leadership in bringing Super Bowls to Tampa Bay.
“Malcolm’s commitment to the Bucs, the NFL and the people of the Tampa Bay region are the hallmarks of his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Linda, their six children and the entire Glazer family.”
According to the Buccaneers, the team will remain in the family, with Malcolm Glazer’s wife, Linda, and Glazer’s children keeping their ownership of the club. Three of Glazer’s sons — Bryan, Edward and Joel — are co-chairmen of the team.
In addition to his wife and children, Glazer is survived by 14 grandchildren.