At long last, one of the most revolutionary defenders in NFL history will take his rightful place among the best to ever play the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Rondé Barber will be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2023 class. the official announcement coming during Thursday night’s “NFL Honors” ceremony.
In his third straight year as a finalist, Barber now joins four fellow Bucs in Canton, including three from his own defense that led the way for the team’s first-ever Super Bowl win. Lee Roy Selmon was Tampa Bay’s first Hall of Famer, followed by Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and now Barber.
One of the most iconic ironmen of his generation, Barber revolutionized the slot/nickel corner position, proving to be an invaluable weapon for one of the best defenses in NFL history. Barber is the only NFL player with at least 45 interceptions and 25 sacks in his career, and still holds the league records for consecutive starts by a cornerback (209, including playoffs) and by a defensive back (224, including playoffs).
Only three players in NFL history have more non-offensive touchdowns in their careers: Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, and should-be-soon Hall of Famer Devin Hester. Barber is the only one of those four to have never been a return specialist.
Now, Barber will finally receive the gold jacket and bronze bust he’s long deserved, a testament to one of the most incredible careers a defensive back has ever enjoyed in pro football.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=686519502]
[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw5aerff6ff182 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]