Home NFL Buccaneers’ Great Rondé Barber Is A Hall Of Famer!

Buccaneers' great Ronde Barber / via NFL.com

Buccaneers’ Great Rondé Barber Is A Hall Of Famer!

February 9, 2023

For the third year in a row Buccaneers’ legend Rondé Barber is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, again. The third times the charm, as Barber is now officially in the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

The ultimate Buccaneer. @rondebarber is headed to the Hall of Fame ‼️@ProFootballHOF | #GoBucs

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 10, 2023

Via buccaneers.com,

“During his legendary 16-year career as a Buccaneer, Ronde established himself as one of the most iconic players in team history and his selection today to the Pro Football Hall of Fame further solidifies him as one of the greatest players of all time” stated the Glazer Family in a statement on Thursday night. “Ronde was the embodiment of a true professional, a fierce competitor and a student of the game. He was a natural leader who always found a way to leave his mark on the game and was responsible for some of the most memorable moments in our franchise history. We look forward to celebrating his legendary career later this year when he takes his rightful place alongside the other Buccaneers Hall of Famers in Canton.”

He first became eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2017 which was five years removed from his retirement.

"I'll see you guys in Canton." 😁 pic.twitter.com/MzqU561Hv0

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 10, 2023

Barber and the Buccaneers

Barber was drafted 66th overall in the 1997 NFL draft. The Virginia Cavalier alumni would only appear in one game as a rookie before establishing himself as a starter in his second year. This was just the beginning of a 16 year NFL career, all with the Buccaneers, which included five Pro Bowls, three All Pros and one Super Bowl championship.

Barber was a leading member of the early 2000’s Bucs defenses, including the 2002 team that allowed the 5th fewest points per game in NFL history. His leadership, versatility and coverage ability were essential to what may have been the best defense of all time.

Where He Ranks Overall

Simply put, Rondé Barber was a playmaker. There have been few men in NFL history who were more feared by opposing quarterbacks. Not a statement typically associated with a 5’10 cornerback, but his impact could not be measured.

Despite being tied for 47th all time in interceptions, he is tied for 8th all time in interceptions returned for a touchdown. He’s also tied for 4th all time in fumbles returned for a touchdown, so every turnover was a scoring opportunity when Barber touched the ball.

However, while the flashy splash plays get a lot of attention it was his consistent excellence at his position that sets him apart. Barber ranks 3rd all time in passes defended. He also ranks 3rd in tackles all time among defensive backs as well as 2nd in sacks and tackles for a loss.

Barber was an incredible blend that may never be seen again. In fact the only player who statistically measures up in both ways is Hall of Famer Charles Woodson. While Woodson did play 13 more games than Barber it is Barber who has more tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and pass deflections. The two also share the same number of All Pro selections and were both selected to the 200s All Decade team.

How Barber Changed the Game

As previously stated, Barber’s blend of coverage skills and ability to tackle in the box were incredibly rare. In fact, there had really never been a cornerback exactly like him with his ability to navigate the line of scrimmage and stick with receivers. This is why Barber became the blueprint for the modern Day nickel corner.

Since then the role has become largely viewed as a starting position in an NFL defense. Guys like Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Harris Jr and many others have grown the importance of this slot defender. However, no one had approached the success that Barber found here.

Conclusion

The story of the NFL cannot be told without Buccaneers’ Barber. From being part of a legendary defense to his individual success among his peers to helping pave the way for modern Day defenses, Barber has done it all. His legacy is immeasurable and immense.