Buccaneers insider thinks Ronde Barber will finally get into the Hall of Fame
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have the worst winning percentage in NFL history, but that hasn't stopped them from winning Super Bowls and sending players to the Hall of Fame. Specifically speaking on the Hall, the Buccaneers currently have five players in Canton, which ranks 24th out of 32 teams. They may not be at […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have the worst winning percentage in NFL history, but that hasn't stopped them from winning Super Bowls and sending players to the Hall of Fame.
Specifically speaking on the Hall, the Buccaneers currently have five players in Canton, which ranks 24th out of 32 teams.
They may not be at 24 for too much longer, however. And that's because Ronde Barber is a finalist for the third-straight year.
That obviously does not guarantee a HoF selection. But things got really interesting Thursday morning when Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud tweeted he's "feeling very good" Barber will finally get his bust on Thursday night:
Keep in mind, this is not a report from Stroud, by any means. He's merely expressing his thoughts on Twitter. However, Stroud is an insider and is one of the most reputable journalists in Tampa Bay. So, his words carry weight.
Barber is now in his sixth year of eligibility and has been at least a semifinalist each year. That has irritated Buccaneers fans, however, and for good reason: Barber is easily one of the best defensive backs of his generation.
He is the founder and sole member of the 45/25 Club, which is an establishment for NFL players that amassed at least 45 interceptions and 25.0 sacks throughout their respective careers. He also played 215 straight games, which is a record for NFL DBs.
It's not just numbers and records that favor Barber as one of the best, either. His very own Super Bowl ring is, in large part, a product of his back-breaking 92-yard pick-six against Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2002-2003 NFC Championship Game.
That play is thought of by most Buccaneers fans to be the most iconic play in franchise history. Barber is forever a legend because of it.
Hopefully Stroud is correct. Barber deserves to be in the Hall and he's waited long enough.
But, as with all things, only time will tell. Fortunately, we'll have our answer very soon.
Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
