The Best Organizations Don’t Just Aim for Success—They Build Something That Lasts
- Curtis Campogni
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Brought to You by Speak4MC and the Bucs Report: The Number 1 Resource for Bucs Inspired "Monday Morning Motivation"
What separates a good team from a great one?
It’s not just talent—it’s vision, patience, and a commitment to something bigger.
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to speak at BayCare’s Safety Coach Retreat, held at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The event focused on team unity, leadership, and long-term success—qualities that define any great organization.
If you’ve ever been to St. Joseph’s Hospital, you know it’s impossible to miss Raymond James Stadium towering in the distance.
As I stood there, looking at the home of the Buccaneers, I couldn’t help but think about the man who built more than just a team inside that building: Jason Licht.
From his very first draft pick, he sent a message: this wasn’t just about winning now—it was about creating something that would last.
A Vision That Started with Mike Evans
When Jason Licht took over as general manager, the Buccaneers weren’t just rebuilding—they were searching for direction.
There he was—a new GM, a team at a crossroads, and a single decision that could either anchor the franchise’s future or send it spiraling further into uncertainty.
And with his first-ever draft pick, he wasn’t just selecting a player—he was setting the foundation for everything that would follow.
With the weight of that moment on his shoulders, Licht placed his bet on a towering, physical wide receiver from Texas A&M—one who wouldn’t just meet expectations but would redefine what it meant to be a Buccaneer.
That pick, of course, turned out to be one of the greatest in franchise history.
Mike Evans didn’t just become a star—he became the heart and soul of the team.
He shattered records with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, played a crucial role in bringing a Super Bowl title to Tampa, and emerged as one of the most respected leaders in the league.
Evans wasn’t just a great draft pick—he was proof of Licht’s larger philosophy.
Talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about finding the right people, developing them, and creating a culture where success is built to last.
Building for the Present and the Future
Despite the success of his first pick, Licht’s strategy was never just about drafting talent—it was about developing and ensuring it stayed in Tampa.
From the moment he took over in 2014, the Buccaneers have been built on homegrown talent, with his draft picks playing a pivotal role in the team’s sustained success.
Consider some of the franchise cornerstones that have been brought in under his leadership:
Tristan Wirfs (2020) – A franchise tackle and one of the best linemen in football.
Antoine Winfield Jr. (2020) – A game-changing safety and a leader on defense.
Chris Godwin (2017) – A second star receiver, proving Licht’s eye for offensive talent.
Lavonte David (retained since 2012) – Licht ensured that one of the greatest linebackers in team history remained a Buc for life.
But constructing a championship team isn’t just about who you draft—it’s about knowing when to make the right moves in free agency, too.
Licht proved he could do both.
He landed Tom Brady, a move that instantly changed the franchise and delivered a Super Bowl.
He took a chance on Shaq Barrett, signing him to a one-year deal before he became one of the league’s top pass rushers.
And in 2023, he bet on Baker Mayfield, who revived his career and led the Bucs back to the playoffs.
However, the post-Tom Brady era may be one of Jason Licht’s most impressive feats as a general manager.
The Buccaneers had no cap room, were expected to be non-competitive, and faced the added tension of Mike Evans’ pending free agency—a situation that could have signaled the end of an era.
Yet, against all odds, Licht navigated the financial constraints, found a new quarterback in Baker Mayfield, and kept the team competitive—something many assumed was impossible.
The Maggie Connection
Let's be real, Maggie doesn’t know Jason Licht’s draft history.
She doesn’t follow roster moves or free agency negotiations.
But she loves Mike Evans.
During one of the biggest games of last season, Evans stood on the brink of NFL history.
In our living room, Maggie sat in her jersey, eyes locked on the screen, waiting for the moment—waiting for Evans to make the catch that would cement his place alongside Jerry Rice in the record books.
But the best part wasn’t just the catch—it was what happened after. The entire Buccaneers team erupted in celebration, not just because it was a win, but because they were genuinely happy for him.
That’s the kind of culture that makes people want to stay, fight for each other, and build something bigger than themselves.
For Maggie, it was a simple but powerful lesson: The culture Licht has assembled in Tampa isn’t just about winning games—it’s about believing in something bigger than yourself.
That’s why Evans didn’t chase free agency, why teammates go all-in for each other, and why fans—like Maggie—don’t just admire their favorite player, they feel connected to them.
Most importantly, it doesn't happen by accident—cultures are built with vision, patience, and the right people.
The View from the Parking Garage
Standing at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with Raymond James Stadium in the distance, the connection was undeniable.
The Safety Coaches I had just spoken to understood that fostering strong teams, retaining top talent, and committing to long-term success are the foundations of excellence.
And that’s exactly what Jason Licht has done for the Buccaneers.
His legacy won’t just be about winning a Super Bowl. It will be about finding the right people, developing them, and creating a culture where success is shared.
When you look at players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antoine Winfield Jr., you see the proof.
When you look at Tom Brady leading the team to a championship or Baker Mayfield proving doubters wrong, you see the same vision at work.
In the end, the best teams—whether in sports or business—aren’t built overnight.
They’re the result of vision, patience, and the willingness to invest in people.
That’s what Jason Licht has done for the Buccaneers, and as the NFL Combine wraps up, and we get closer to the draft, his ability to spot talent, and shape the future of the Buccaneers will once again take center stage.
About the Author
Curtis Campogni is the founder of Speak4MC, a motivational speaking and training organization dedicated to inspiring growth and change. Curtis is a lifelong Bucs fan, husband, and father. Learn more at Speak4MC.com
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent any other individual, organization, or company. This content is intended for general knowledge and to highlight tools, techniques, and ideas that inspire positive change. Readers are encouraged to explore the topics further and form their own conclusions. This article was originally published on Speak4MC.com and is shared in collaboration with Bucs Report. The views expressed are solely those of the author.
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