3 former Bucs are semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame

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Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the semifinalists for 2018. On the list of 27 are 3 former Buccaneers players, Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice and John Lynch.

Ronde Barber, who played his entire NFL career with the Bucs from 1997-2012, is a first year eligible candidate. He started 215 consecutive games, holding the most consecutive starts at corner back with 200. He is the only player in NFL history to have 25 or more sacks at 28, as well as 40 or more interceptions with 47. He made it to the pro bowl 5 times and was named and All-Pro three times. He was also named to the NFL 2000’s All-Decade team. His most memorable play was a 92-yard interception returned for a touchdown, during the NFC Championship game against the Eagles, that helped to lock in the Buccaneers first (and only) Super Bowl, in which they beat won by defeating the  Oakland Raiders..

Simeon Rice, also a first year eligible candidate,  who came to the Bucs as a free agent in 2001, was a four-time All-Pro selection, as well as a three-time Pro Bowl pick. His eight double-digit sack seasons are tied for 6th-most in NFL history. He also tied for 19th all-time with 122 sacks. Leading the league with 101.5 sacks from 1998 to 2005, he managed it all while rushing from the right side also.

John Lynch, who is on his 6th straight year as a semifinalist, played in 224 career regular-season games with 191 starts. He racked up 1,277 tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and 100 passes defensed. This year, he was inducted into both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor and the Broncos Ring of Fame. His nine Pro Bowl selections are tied for the second-most at the safety position in NFL history. He is currently an analyst for Fox and also the general manager of the SF 49ers.

In January, the list will be trimmed to just 15 of the 27 semifinalists. And the final vote will be on February 3rd of 2018.

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