It wasn’t the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, nor the Lightning or Rays. It certainly wasn’t the Rowdies, past or present. No, it was Tom McEwen who put Tampa Bay on the map in the national sports scene. Writing up to 6 articles a week, sometimes more, even right up until his own death, no one covered the Tampa Bay sports scene, more specifically the “Bay Bucs” like Tommy Mac.
McEwen passed away today in his home on Davis Island at the age of 88. Linda, his wife of 41 years is thankful her husband isn’t suffering anymore. He may have spent the last decade writing thousands of articles, but only in between the hardship of Chemo against an aggressive cancer, strokes, and amputations. He will be remembered for many things, but there isn’t a person who grew up in the area who liked sports and didn’t read his “Morning after” column from August to January.
He coined the word “Chokeneers” during the Bucs 3 game slide when only 1 win would have secured a playoff spot. He was ours, but the nation knew him well too. The Florida Sportswriter of the year winner a record 19 times. But it was his tireless work to put Tampa Bay in and on the minds of the rest of the country that endeared him to us Bay area folk. He campaigned for the football team that would become the Bucs, as well as working on the plans for what would be Tampa Stadium.
It was his vote that put Lee Roy Selmon in the hall of fame, much as Ira Kauffman will be the one to put Sapp, Brooks, Lynch and Alstott there one day.
Rest in Peace Tom McEwen, you stuck around longer than a Tom McEwen Sentence, and were all better off for it that you did.
Glad you got to see our Bucs finally make it to the SuperBowl!
Sign the Tom McEwen Guest Book
McEwen’s last article for Trib
McEwen’s “Morning After” column after the Bucs first win ever
Tom’s Morning after column, after the Bucs clinch first ever Playoff appearance.
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