Bucs’ CB Barber listed as HOF finalist
Legendary Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber has been named a 2023 NFL Hall of Fame Finalist for the third year in a row. Barber was one of 15 players selected for consideration. Former Buc Darrelle Revis, who played one season with the Bucs in 2013, is also a finalist in his first year of eligibility.
Legendary Bucs CB Ronde Barber – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Barber’s history with the Bucs
Barber has been eligible for the Hall of Fame for six years. The Super Bowl champion revolutionized the angle back position of Nickel years in Tampa Bay. Barber is widely recognized as one of the greatest defensive playmakers of all time. In fact, he is the only player in NFL history with at least 45 interceptions and 25 sacks. Barber finished his career with 47 picks and 28 sacks. There is no way Barber scored 14 non-offensive touchdowns in his career. Only three players have ever scored more.
He made five Pro Bowls, had three First Team All-Pro selections, and won a Super Bowl. To be 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.
Legendary Bucs CB Round Barber: Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Barber’s longevity was also unprecedented. 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 consecutive starts included 200 right angles, which is an NFL record.
Should Barber finally get the call, which he absolutely deserves, he would be the fifth Hall of Fame player to spend most or all of his career with the Bucs. He would join Lee Roy Selmon as well as former teammates Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch.
On the Pewter Report Podcast we have spoken several times about why Barber should be in the Hall of Fame. He has been listed on several Bucs’ Mount Rushmore as one of the greatest players in franchise history and was included in an episode of the podcast early in the Bucs’ all-time team draft during this season’s bye week.
Like every year, it’s always a tough class to get through to reach the Hall of Fame. Considering his accolades throughout his career, there aren’t many others more deserving of this honor than Barber. The league will announce its class of 2023 at the NFL Honors show in Arizona on Saturday, February 11, one day before Super Bowl LVII.
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