The Glazer family’s reputation is a story of contrasts. Across the Atlantic, soccer club Manchester United fans have made their disdain for the Glazers no secret. But here in Tampa? It’s a completely different ballgame. While Florida continues to reel from Hurricane Milton’s devastation, the Bucs Nation sees the Glazers stepping up big-time for the community. I mean, it’s in times like these when billionaire owners can show their support.

Remember when the Buccaneers had to move to New Orleans (ahead of the week 6 Saints clash) because of Milton’s potential threat? Now, that decision seems wise enough. It wasn’t just about football; it was a grim reminder of the widespread damage (that was about to happen).

Amid all this, the Glazer family pledged $1 million to support small businesses in Tampa and West Central Florida through their Small Business Fund. And it’s not a one-off play—they’ve already given $2 million towards relief efforts for Hurricane Helene and Milton. That’s the kind of hustle Tampa’s proud to rally behind.

But there’s more to it. They have distributed the funds across, instead of just saturating it to one chamber. Let me break it down for you. So, the funds will go to eight local chambers of commerce, including Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Amplify Clearwater.

These chambers will then award grants of up to $5,000 to businesses in need. In a city of ruins, this is the way up to start the process of rebuilding…and it could hit home. “What makes Tampa Bay and our entire region so special is our resiliency and ability to come together during trying times,” said Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. The Glazers have spent weeks collaborating with chamber leaders to develop this plan.

Love them or hate them (depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on), you can’t deny such contributions are noteworthy. However, while it seems only the soccer fans have held grudges against the Glazer family for some American bias, but that’s far from the truth. The Bucs nation loved the idea of Glazers when Malcolm was here.

Love for the Glazer family…ended after Malcolm

Back in the mid-90s, Malcolm Glazer put his foot down, went all in to buy the Bucs. He was a pigskin fanatic… And no, we didn’t say that just for the fun of it. He was. The proof? Well, ask a long-time Bucs fan they’d let you know how he changed the game for the Bucs. We are talking everything! From a new logo, fresh uniforms, a revamped stadium—he didn’t just buy a team; he built a culture. Okay, we second you if you are thinking: ‘Those changes hardly affect the gridiron plays’.

However, he hired Tony Dungy and later Jon Gruden, proving he had either a sharp eye for talent or surrounded himself with folks who did. The result? Tampa had its first-ever Lombardi parade—the moment that etched his legacy. But like any great dynasty, things shifted after Malcolm’s passing, with his children taking the reins. SHIFTED? Yeah, that’d be quite a polite word to describe a tumultuous aftermath.

Since Malcolm’s era, it’s been a carousel of coaches and GMs. The current Glazers (Joel, Bryan, and Edward) seem to lack that spark their father had for spotting talent—or maybe football just isn’t their passion. Let’s be real: after firing Gruden, things felt shaky. Sure, Bruce Arians brought stability, but it wasn’t until 2021’s Super Bowl run that fans started believing again. Was it the coaching? Tom Brady’s GOAT magic? A turbocharged defense? Maybe it was all the above.

Even so, the Glazers keep a low profile. Joel Glazer, now the family’s spokesperson, makes brief appearances for media—think 10 minutes once a year. And no, we aren’t exaggerating. Compare that to Europe, where their ownership of Manchester United faces constant protests. The Tampa crowd? They’re more indifferent. As one journalist put it, “The Glazers are still a mystery… but they brought two Super Bowls to Tampa.” Hard to argue with results, even if the journey’s been murky.

And let’s give Malcolm his due. Beyond football operations, he connected with the fans. Increased appearances from players and coaches made the team feel accessible. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell once said Malcolm was “the guiding force behind the building of a Super Bowl-champion organization.” That’s a legacy no fan—or owner—can ignore.