Bucs Legend Named 2023 Hall of Fame Semifinalist

For the sixth straight 12 months, former Bucs defensive again Ronde Barber has been named a Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame semifinalist.

Barber, who performed for Tampa Bay from 1997-2012, is one of 28 semifinalists. The NFL will announce the 15 finalists in January, and on condition that he was a finalist within the final two years, it wouldn’t be stunning for him to be in that group once more this 12 months.

However will 2023 be the 12 months that Barber lastly will get that long-deserved call? He revolutionized the nickel cornerback place and positively has the numbers and accomplishments to be immortalized in Canton.

Bucs Ring Of Honor Member Deserves A Spot In Canton

Legendary Bucs CB Ronde Barber: Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Barber is the one participant in NFL historical past to document 45-plus interceptions and 25-plus sacks, ending with 47 and 28, respectively. He made 5 Professional Bowls, had three First Workforce All-Professional alternatives and received a Tremendous Bowl. His 92-yard interception return for a touchdown within the 2002 NFC Championship Recreation to ship the Bucs to their first Tremendous Bowl is an iconic second in each franchise and NFL historical past.

His longevity was unprecedented, too. Not solely did he set Bucs data with 241 video games performed and 232 video games began, however he additionally completed his profession with 215 consecutive begins. These 215 straight begins included 200 straight at cornerback, which is an NFL document.

David Baker, the previous president and govt director of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, has all the time mentioned that Corridor of Famers are people who you possibly can’t inform the story of soccer with out. Barber actually qualifies.

If Barber lastly will get the decision, he’ll be the fifth participant within the Corridor of Fame to have spent most or all of their profession with the Bucs. He would be part of Lee Roy Selmon, in addition to former teammates Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch.