2019 Buccaneers Ring of Honor: Ronde Barber?

Ronde Barber should absolutely be at the top of the list of candidates to be inducted into the Bucs Ring of Honor. In fact, I don’t know why he isn’t already. Ronde Barber is widely considered to be the best cornerback in the Bucs’ franchise history. Not only that, but he’s also widely considered to be one of the best corners and overall defensive players in NFL history.

Barber spent his entire playing career with the Buccaneers. In an article written by Tampa Bay Times writer, Rick Stroud entitled: Who Should Be Inducted into the Bucs Ring of Honor next? The List Starts with Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers Ring of Honor already includes legendary Bucs’ coaches and players such as; Tony Dungy, John McKay, Jon Gruden, Lee Roy Selmon, Jimmie Giles, Paul Gruber, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Mike Alstott, Doug Williams, and John Lynch.

When it comes to who should be next, Rick Stroud and I, as well as many of our fellow Bucs fans are in agreement. It should be Ronde Barber. I’m willing to bet that if we, [the fans] got to vote on it, it would be completely unanimous across the board in favor of Barber.

In his article, Stroud states, “A semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019, Barber appeared in more games (241) and made more starts (232) than any player in Bucs history during a stellar 16-year career. He ended his career with 215 consecutive starts, the longest active streak in the league at the time. But Barber isn’t remembered just for playing every week. It’s for playing so well.”

Stroud also points out that, “He [Barber] is one of only two players, along with Charles Woodson, to record at least 40 interceptions and 20 quarterback sacks. His game-clinching interception of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb clinched the Bucs win in the NFC Championship game and ranks as the greatest play in team history. Barber went to five Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro three times, a member of the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade Team, and is the Bucs’ all-time interception leader. Barber shouldn’t just be in the Ring of Honor he should be next.”

Although he did not get inducted this year, Ronde Barber is a sure-fire future HOF’er and will soon be in the Bucs Ring of Honor. You deserve it, Ronde! Thank you, and Go Bucs!