A lot will be talked about defensive tackle Gerald McCoy's impact on the field for the Buccaneers in the coming days following the announcement the team and the defensive stalwart are mutually parting ways. What also deserves to be talked about is the tremendous influence he had off the field and in the Tampa Bay community during his nine seasons with the team.
McCoy has been a fixture in the Bay area since he arrived in 2010 with this past year being no different. McCoy's most recent community endeavor was his involvement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Social Justice Board. The Social Justice Initiative is a player-led program that aims to create real change in the Tampa Bay community and Gerald was one of the first to volunteer to serve on the board. He participated in the program's inaugural event at the Tampa Police Citizens Training Academy, where he led a candid, and at times uncomfortable, discussion with law enforcement about issues facing society today. For his efforts in 2018, McCoy was the Buccaneers Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
View some of the best photos of DT Gerald McCoy from his career with the Bucs.
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 29-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 29-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Buccaneers won 12-8. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 15-10. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pressures Eli Manning during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 15-10. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Buccaneers won 30-20. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 3: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers lost 26-20. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 3: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers lost 26-20 in overtime. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 34-21. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. The Buccaneers won 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. The Buccaneers won 30-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 14, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Buccaneers lost 34-29. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 reacts after a play during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Logan Bowles.
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 04, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Buccaneers lost 42-28. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 celebrates a sack during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. The Buccaneers won 30-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during introductions of the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Defensive End William Gholston #92, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Buccaneers won 48-40. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 and Saints Quarterback Drew Brees during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Buccaneers won 48-40. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Buccaneers lost 48-10. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 16-3. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Buccaneers lost 38-35. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 and Warren Sapp before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 28-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 16-3. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 23, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The Buccaneers lost 27-20. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. The Buccaneers lost 20-12. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Additionally, McCoy had many repeat efforts in place. He led the Buccaneers' "Cut for a Cure" fundraising team and rallied the support of teammates to raise over $140,000 for the cause this past year, personally contributing $12,895. He also continued to support a section of the Community Ticket Program and has done so since 2010. By the end of this season, he will have invited over 2,086 community members to Buccaneers home games.
He hosted a free screening of Avengers: Endgame movie for members of the non-profit community to join him and his family. He had done the same thing for each new Avengers movie, as well. Since 2012, he's led the entire defensive line's involvement in their "D-Line Delivers Christmas" holiday event that provides hundreds of families with holiday gifts and experiences. Additionally, McCoy implemented his "McCoy Family Christmas" annual event in 2013 where he and his family give back to underserved communities.
Since its inception, McCoy has been a spokesman for the Buccaneers' Vision Mobile, an effort to bring eye care to underserved youth through the Glazer Family Foundation. Himself a glasses-wearer, he was there for the unveiling of the Vision Mobile RV as well as when the Foundation gave out its 5,000th pair of glasses.
Launched this past season, his repeat efforts blossomed into the formation of his own charity called the Patricia Diane Foundation after his mother and aims to support single-parent households, a cornerstone cause of all McCoy's community efforts.
McCoy has been a fierce competitor, a reliable teammate, a passionate community activist and an all-around family man during his tenure with the Buccaneers. The entire Tampa Bay community is better for having an influence like McCoy in it for the past nine years and the Buccaneers are grateful for his many contributions.
