“The Rock” Of The Buccaneers
May 8th, 2013
Joe doesn’t know where to start when writing about Ronde Barber. Intelligent, classy, professional, consummate teammate. All apply to Barber and may be understated.
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com has a better description for Barber. He refers to Barber as “the rock” of the Bucs’ franchise.
Tony Dungy’s “Tampa 2” defense was one of the most dominant trends of the last decade. In many ways, Barber was the defining Tampa 2 cornerback. He could tackle, cover, blitz, and had great instincts to make big plays. He could play inside and out.
Barber will be an interesting case for the Hall of Fame Committee someday, and we believe he’ll have a shot at enshrinement. But that’s a debate for another day. There is no debating Barber’s place as the rock of Tampa’s franchise over the last two decades, a player that outlasted his talented twin brother by six full NFL seasons.
Well-stated. Joe will never forget being at Ferg’s Sports Bar during the 2002 NFC Championship game. When Barber picked off Donovan McNabb for a 92-yard pick six, dudes were running down the length of the bar on the patio — a good 30-yards long — as if they were blocking for Barber, pushing him themselves down the field and across the goal line.
With the possible exception of Derrick Brooks, who was beginning to show his age his last two years with the Bucs, Joe cannot think of a Bucs player who was just as good in his final season as he was his rookie year. Barber never appeared to be aging.
A rock? Indeed.
May 8th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Damn. That sucks. Good for him tho. Now the last thread of the Super Bowl team is now gone. I’m glad I didn’t have to see him in another uniform tho.
May 8th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
That glorious pick six. If you could pin point a single turning point in franchise history, that would be it.
May 8th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
40/20 is very impressive as well…..honestly like a lot of people I thought was a little slow…..there is something to be said for game speed.. Well done ronde !!
May 8th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
It is sad to hear, but all the things Ronde has done will land him in the ring of honor and also hall of fame. That pick six he did against the eagle has to be one of his top iconic moments.
May 8th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
One of my favorite pieces you’ve written Joe. Well said.
The Best Play in Bucs History for old time sake.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbgLJEJyU6c
With the last piece gone, suddenly I feel older. Perhaps it’s the beginning of a new successful chapter in Bucdom
May 8th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
didnt Alan Jackson write a song called:
“Where were you….when Ronde Barber intercepted Donovan McNabb for a 92 yard touchdown that clinched the 2002 NFC Championship Game and a trip to the Super Bowl? Where were you….when he made Philadeplhia sad.”
May 8th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Wow No comments? I hate to see him go but Its time for someone to step up and take his place, if possible. We are still a 10 win team. GO BUCS!!
May 8th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Debate hall of fame…..the only man with 40 ints and 20 sacks. The defensive back iron man. HE BETTER GO!
May 8th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Everyone remembers Barbers pick in that NFC Championship but his play from start to finish in that game was remarkable. Passes defended, the sack fumble, tackling, and then the pick. Best individual defensive performance in franchise history. And boy, is that saying something.
HOF player? Without a doubt.
May 8th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
That was a deserving and well said tribute offered by Joe. Ronde was and will be remembered as the epitome of the Buccaneer Man. I join you in paying homage to a great player for all of his career at the only team he ever played for – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
May 8th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Darrell Green just popped his champagne cork like the 72 Dolphins did when the Pats didnt go undefeated.
Funny though, it took Green 20 seasons to get 54 ints, and in all those years, only ONE sack in……. 20 seasons.
Just makes you realize how impressive Barber’s 28 sacks (and of course 47 ints) were in 16 seasons.
Makes you wonder, is Barber>Green? F**kin A!
May 8th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
It brought tears to my eyes when he intercepted Mcnabb, Thanks for all the memories #20 best wishes.
May 8th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
He coulda had 7 picks this year! lol 🙂
I really hope they offer him the DB coach position
May 8th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Damn sad to see him go. He was a lot of fun to watch over the years. 16 years!! Makes you realize how quickly time passes. He did an awesome job for the Bucs and I’m glad he went out on his own terms unlike the other SB studs we used to have.
May 8th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
I can’t wait to see Ronde on TV!! He’s going to be a great analyst!
May 8th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
if he doesnt make the HOF then the HOF is a joke, i hear them all say that Ray Lewis is a 1st ballot HOF’er, well if that murderer gets in then how the hell could you keep a play making CHARACTER guy like Barber out?? his #’s say it all. great player but a better person!! love this guy hate to see him go but glad to see him play!!! one of the best ALL TIME! BUC IT IM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 8th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Innocent until PROVEN guilty. Nice try though 😉
May 8th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
OJ Simpson Casey Anthony need i say more!! point is Barber should be a lock for the HOF. BUC IT IM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 8th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
“He’ll have a shot at enshrinement”
Ummm, what? He’ll have a shot at first ballot, thats the only real debate. He’s going to Canton.
May 8th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
“Innocent until proven guilty”
May 8th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
WOW!!!!! smh
May 8th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
its true, ignorance is bliss!!!!
May 8th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
What until PROVEN guilty???
Innocent 😉
It’s true what they say when someone has nothing productive up add they name call lol.
May 8th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
Or Insult 😉
May 8th, 2013 at 11:21 pm
oh, Ray Lewis is gettin in on the 1st ballot. those judges do not want to get stabbed.
ok, that was wrong. but Ray definitely knew what happened. but F**k him. Today is all about #20.
May 9th, 2013 at 7:19 am
That same scene happened at Barnacles in Brandon, followed by grown men breaking down in tears. Live long and prosper Mr. Barber.
May 9th, 2013 at 11:40 am
Greatest memory of a play as a Buccaneer fan was Rhonde Barber burning down the Vet on that INT in its last game. That INT will forever be branded in my memory banks. He took us to the Superbowl on that play and for that one play I will always remember him and ofcourse for his million other interceptions but that one sticks in my mind forever. GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!