Written by: Johnny Dean
Opinion/Editorial
Buccaneers legend and Ring of Honor inductee Ronde Barber is worthy of the Hall of Fame. I’ve heard plenty of debate about this and thought I’d try and bring some levity to the discussion.
Let’s start with statistics.
Interceptions – 47
Sacks – 28
Touchdowns – 8
Solo tackles – 1,028
Tackles for loss – 88
Passes defensed – 197
Yards off interceptions – 923
Seasons starting each game – 15
You would think those stats alone would put Barber in the Hall of Fame, but you would be wrong.
One of the reasons given that Barber isn’t Hall of Fame worthy is he played on stacked teams.
Teams featuring Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch apparently devalue Barber’s accomplishments. I would have to point out that Barber played at a very high level after those players were long gone from the Buccaneers.
In his last year (2012), Barber had four interceptions which he returned for 160 yards and a touchdown. His very last play before retiring was an interception. So to claim his performance was due to those players around him doesn’t really hold water.
Another reason given why Barber isn’t in the Hall of Fame is the scheme. The Tampa 2 has been used in the NFL by nearly every team in the league. And yet not one of them have produced the results that the Buccaneers have.
Look, every player who is in the 20/20 club is in the Hall of fame, except Barber.
Remember, Barber isn’t just a member of that club, he is the founder of it. The very first player with over 20 interceptions and 20 sacks.
There is no valid reason to keep a player who should have easily been a first-ballot inductee out any longer.
Video credit: The Stone Forums
