No. 3 – CB Ronde Barber
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Buccaneers Career (1997-2012) |
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Barber was a cornerstone for a dominant Buccaneers defense during his 16 years in the NFL. He played his entire career in Tampa and was a five-time Pro Bowler, in addition to earning All-Pro honors three times.
Barber's 1,428 tackles are the second-most in team history behind Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. He's also the team's all-time leader in interceptions (47) and defensive touchdowns (8).
Of the eight times he found the end zone, none was more iconic than his pick-six against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2002 NFC Championship Game. Barber intercepted Donovan McNabb and returned the ball 92 yards for a score, sealing the Bucs' victory and propelling the team to Super Bowl XXXVII. Barber and the Bucs would go on to win the world championship.
Perhaps more impressive than his consistently high level of play was his durability; Barber started every game he played for the final 13 years of his career.
Fans had no problem voicing their support for Barber on the original poll on Buccaneers.com:
- "I've always idolized the corner position and loved watching number 20 on Sundays, making tackles in the backfield, big play after big play, season after season, man, zone, nickel, what couldn't this guy do? And let's not forget he made the biggest play in history for me, I'll never forget how that play made me feel as a die hard fan. #FirstBallotHOF"
- "Ronde Barber has always been what the Bucs were under Tony Dungy. A class act."*
- "Ronde BARBER!!! How many games did he miss in his career? EXACTLY!!!"
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The best photos of cornerback Ronde Barber.
