Buccaneers' Ronde Barber is officially a member of the NFL Hall of Fame
Many thought Thursday evening was the day Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Ronde Barber would finally become an NFL Hall of Famer; and sure enough, it was. Barber was a semifinalist in all six classes once he became eligible in 2018 and he was a finalist the last three years. He is the fourth member of […]
Many thought Thursday evening was the day Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Ronde Barber would finally become an NFL Hall of Famer; and sure enough, it was.
Barber was a semifinalist in all six classes once he became eligible in 2018 and he was a finalist the last three years. He is the fourth member of the vaunted 2002 Super Bowl team that already has given teammates John Lynch, Derrick Brooks, and Warren Sapp their respective busts in Canton.
It was a moment both Barber and Buccaneers fans have waited on for five years, now. And, a lot of his former teammates, too.
And sure enough, they made their excitement known once the news became official:
Even his daughter Justyce's lacrosse team got to celebrate the news:
Barber's career is a storied one. He is the only player in NFL history to notch at least 45 interceptions and at least 25.0 sacks in a career. He also holds the all-time record for most consecutive starts by a defensive back (215) and cornerback (200) in NFL history.
As for Buccaneers records, well, Barber holds 10 franchise records that include ones such as the most interceptions in a single season (10), most non-offensive touchdowns (14), most interceptions in a Bucs career (47), and most pass deflections (197).
Barber's 1,251 career combined tackles are also the fourth-most of all-time among all defensive backs in NFL history. His 28.0 sacks are second-most and he leads every single cornerback in NFL history in combined tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. His 43 interceptions as a corner (he played safety his final year in the NFL) are the 11th-most of all-time. He also notched three first-team All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowls over the course of his career.
And, of course, he has a Super Bowl ring that is a byproduct of his iconic 92-yard pick-six against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2002-2003 NFC Championship Game. It's one of the most famous plays in NFL history and is what preserved the Buccaneers' win over the Eagles.
Barber had it all when it comes to an NFL career. Except a bust in Canton. Now, with that in tow, we can finally let the ink dry on one of the best Buccaneers -and one of the best cornerbacks- of all-time.
Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
