Two influential figures of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 Super Bowl-winning side have paid tribute to franchise owner Malcolm Glazer, who passed away on Wednesday.

Coach Jon Gruden and defensive tackle Warren Sapp played key roles in the championship victory - the only one in the franchise's history to date.

After the death of Glazer was confirmed by the Buccaneers, the duo spoke out on the man who has owned the team since 1995.

Gruden told the Tampa Bay Times: "He was a genuine, hard-working, one-of-a-kind man. He was a friend, a trailblazer and I'll miss him."

Meanwhile, NFL Media analyst Sapp said: "As the first ever pick of the Glazer family, I'm proud to be that pick and I'm very saddened at the hearing of his passing.

"He was a true giant as a NFL owner and I was proud to call him my owner and boss plus a friend! I love the family."

Glazer was 85 years old and was also the owner of Manchester United.