The Magnificent Seven: Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Chase McLaughlin, and Todd Bowles

Sixty years ago, one of the most iconic Western films was released: The Magnificent Seven. Nine years ago, it was remade with more familiar names such as Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt. This year, we see it reborn again in the form of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they reign triumphant through the 2025 NFL season. 

For those who may not know the story of The Magnificent Seven, it follows a rogue cowboy hired to protect a small village from its tyrannical pillagers. This cowboy finds six men to help him in his mission. Although some are reluctant, they agree to train the village to fight back during the next raid. In an explosive and dramatic ending, the film concludes both happily and tragically, with many of the titular seven falling in combat, but the village ultimately prevails. 

Now I know you may be thinking, how is a Western cowboy story related to the swashbuckling-themed team from Tampa Bay? 

For starters, the entire film relies on rooting for the underdog, the lesser-powered team against what seem to be unbeatable odds. These seven cowboys may be down five points in the fourth quarter with 6 seconds left on the clock to make a touchdown, something that seems nearly impossible to overcome. But they do; just like the Buccaneers did in this exact situation in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, with a two-yard rush play securing the six-point touchdown to win the game 20-19. 

Another reason is the pure resilience of Tampa Bay, as they have been without a star player for every single game this season so far. For the first three weeks, the Buccaneers had to overcome the loss of wide receiver Chris Godwin, relying on Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka to make up for the difference (which they have with such a strong opening week from Egbuka winning the game against the Atlanta Falcons). Throughout the final battle in The Magnificent Seven, you watch some of your heroes fall and question, “How can they win now?” Some Buccaneers fans asked when Godwin was set to be out for a couple of weeks. And now some may be questioning it again with Mike Evans being injured during the week 3 matchup against the Jets. Although Godwin is back, he is still recovering from his injury and may not be at his best form for a couple of weeks. So now we look up to Emeka Egbuka to cover the WR1 role and carry the torch with quarterback Baker Mayfield. 

Lastly, this is a legacy year for the Buccaneers as they celebrate fifty years in the NFL. This is a year to make an impact as they continue to push for their fifth consecutive division title under head coach Todd Bowles' leadership. They are already locked in their fifth consecutive Week 1 victory, which coincides with this trend. Now, it's time to lock down the title, and with their 3-1 record, it's still achievable. The ending of The Magnificent Seven is about the legacy left behind by these seven individuals and the lasting impact they have on the village as they look ahead toward the future, for the first time, with hope. This is the type of legacy the Buccaneers can leave this year as they fight for a legacy and a third Super Bowl victory for the team.

Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Chase McLaughlin, and Todd Bowles. Remember these names, the fallen and the persevering.