Who Won Super Bowl in 2003? Full Recap & Stats

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2054

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, defeating the Oakland Raiders 48–21. The game took place on January 26, 2003, at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Dexter Jackson was named Super Bowl MVP after recording two interceptions.

Super Bowl XXXVII: A Dominant Buccaneers Victory

Super Bowl XXXVII marked a historic moment for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who claimed their first-ever Super Bowl title in commanding fashion. Facing off against the Oakland Raiders, the Buccaneers delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Buccaneers scored 34 unanswered points during the second and third quarters.
Dexter Jackson became the fifth player to record multiple interceptions in a Super Bowl and earned MVP honors.
Rodney Harrison of the Raiders was the only player to score a touchdown on both offense and defense in Super Bowl history (though he played for the opposing team).
The win made Jon Gruden the first head coach to face his former team in the Super Bowl and win.

Tampa Bay's Path to the Championship

Under head coach Jon Gruden, the Buccaneers finished the 2002 regular season with a 12–4 record, securing the NFC Central division title. Their defense, led by Hall of Famers Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, ranked among the league's best.

Postseason Journey

Divisional Round: Defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–6
NFC Championship: Beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27–10
Super Bowl XXXVII: Defeated the Oakland Raiders 48–21

Game Statistics and Key Performances

The Buccaneers' defense overwhelmed the Raiders' high-powered offense, forcing five turnovers. Quarterback Rich Gannon, who had won the NFL MVP that season, threw five interceptions—a Super Bowl record.

Statistic	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Oakland Raiders
First Downs	15	16
Total Yards	268	262
Passing Yards	164	243
Rushing Yards	104	19
Turnovers	1	5
Interceptions Thrown	0	5
Time of Possession	27:14	32:46

Table data source:1, 2

The Buccaneers won despite having less time of possession, thanks to their explosive defensive plays. Five interceptions, including two pick-sixes, were the decisive factor. The Raiders' 19 rushing yards remain the second-fewest allowed in Super Bowl history.

Legacy of Super Bowl XXXVII

This victory solidified the Buccaneers as a franchise capable of winning the highest prize in American football. It also marked the beginning of a golden era for the team’s defense, which remained elite through the mid-2000s.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Jon Gruden’s return to face the Raiders added a dramatic storyline.
The game was played just months after the September 11 attacks, contributing to heightened security and patriotic themes.
It remains one of only two Super Bowls where a team recorded five or more takeaways.

Common Questions About Who Won Super Bowl in 2003

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2003?

Dexter Jackson, safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was named Super Bowl MVP. He recorded two interceptions in the first half, becoming the first defensive back to earn the award since 1999.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXVII?

The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48, Oakland Raiders 21. The Buccaneers built a 27–3 halftime lead and extended it in the second half.

Where was Super Bowl 2003 held?

Super Bowl XXXVII was held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, on January 26, 2003. It was the seventh time San Diego hosted the event.

How many interceptions did the Buccaneers have in Super Bowl 2003?

The Buccaneers recorded five interceptions in Super Bowl XXXVII, all thrown by Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon. This set a Super Bowl record for most interceptions thrown by one team.

Did Jon Gruden coach the Raiders before Super Bowl 2003?

Yes, Jon Gruden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001. He was traded to the Buccaneers in 2002, making his victory over the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII a unique and widely publicized storyline.