WATCH: Ronde Barber Gets The Hall Of Fame Knock

Anyone who watched Ronde Barber play football has long known that the former Bucs cornerback deserves a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And now, he’s finally in. Barber was announced as a member of the Class of 2023 during the NFL Awards on Thursday night, with former Bucs teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks having the honor of introducing him to the crowd in attendance.

“Whether he was lined up inside or out, blitzing the quarterback or playing the pass, he was always a problem,” Brooks said. “And once again, my friend, you are now my teammate. Welcome to Canton, Ronde Barber.”

After A Long Wait, Ronde Barber Finally Gets His “Knock”

Barber finally got the call in his sixth year of eligibility and third year as a finalist. It’s long overdue for the career Buccaneer, who remains the only player in NFL history to tally 40-plus interceptions and 25-plus sacks. He finished with 47 and 28, respectively, plus he set records for consecutive starts by a cornerback (209, including the playoffs) and a consecutive starts by a defensive back (224, including the playoffs).

The 16-year pro also served as a key member of the Bucs’ Super Bowl XXXVII defense, one of the best defenses in league history. It was his 92-yard pick six off of Donovan McNabb in the NFC Championship Game that sent Tampa Bay to its first Super Bowl, and it shut down Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium to boot.

Despite all of that, Barber had to wait. But the wait led to a moment he’ll never forget, which he got to share with Brooks. Because it was Brooks, Barber’s teammate from 1997-2008, who knocked on the door to deliver the news. 

Ronde Barber Takes His Place With Other Bucs Greats

Bucs legends Ronde Barber and Warren Sapp – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Ronde Barber is now the fourth member of the 2002 Bucs defense to get the Hall of Fame call. When the Class of 2023 is enshrined on Aug. 5, he will get a bronze bust in Canton and a gold jacket just like Warren Sapp (Class of 2013), Derrick Brooks (2014) and John Lynch (2021) before him. Of course, Lee Roy Selmon (1995) is the other Bucs icon with a place in Canton. Not to mention, Barber will join one of his former head coaches, Tony Dungy (2016), in the Hall as well.

“During his legendary 16-year career as a Buccaneer, Rondé 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,” The Glazer Family said in a statement. “Rondé 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.”

Later Thursday night, Barber had a message for Bucs fans via the team’s Twitter account:

“What’s up, Buc fans? We knew it was coming some day,” Barber said. “Today’s that day. I love you for your support. I’ve always tried to be your hero. I know you appreciate me, what I did on the football field. I appreciate what you did, following me in my career and loving me until the end. I’ll see you guys in Canton.”

And, as they always do, the Bucs’ social media team knocked it out of the park with a fantastic tribute to the franchise’s newest Hall of Famer, Ronde Barber.

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