Bucs Legend Named As Pro Football Hall Of Fame Semifinalist

For the sixth straight year, former Bucs defensive back Ronde Barber has been named a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist.

Barber, who played for Tampa Bay from 1997-2012, is one of 28 semifinalists. The NFL will announce the 15 finalists in January, and given that he was a finalist in the last two years, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to be in that group again this year.

But will 2023 be the year that Barber finally gets that long-deserved call? He revolutionized the nickel cornerback position and certainly has the numbers and accomplishments to be immortalized in Canton.

Bucs Ring Of Honor Member Deserves A Spot In Canton

Barber is the only player in NFL history to record 45-plus interceptions and 25-plus sacks, finishing with 47 and 28, respectively. He made five Pro Bowls, had three First Team All-Pro selections and won a Super Bowl. His 92-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 2002 NFC Championship Game to send the Bucs to their first Super Bowl is an iconic moment in both franchise and NFL history.

His longevity was unprecedented, too. Not only did he set Bucs records with 241 games played and 232 games started, but he also finished his career with 215 consecutive starts. Those 215 straight starts included 200 straight at cornerback, which is an NFL record.

David Baker, the former president and executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has always said that Hall of Famers are individuals who you can’t tell the story of football without. Barber certainly qualifies.

If Barber finally gets the call, he’ll be the fifth player in the Hall of Fame to have spent most or all of their career with the Bucs. He would join Lee Roy Selmon, as well as former teammates Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch.