John Lynch Is A Hall Of Fame Finalist For The 7th Time; Rondé And Simeon Miss The Cut

January 2nd, 2020

“Not this year, Rondé.”

It’s now three consecutive years that Rondé Barber has struck out with Hall of Fame voters, failing to advance from the semifinalist group of 25.

Three Bucs legends made the semifinal round for the 2020 Hall of Fame class, Barber, Simeon Rice and John Lynch, but only Lynch moved on to the finalist round, the Hall of Fame announced this evening.

This is Lynch’s seven time as a finalist. He’s the only member of the 2014 finalists who is not enshrined in Canton.

The esteemed Hall voting panel convenes the day before the Super Bowl to pick five finalists to enter the Hall of Fame for eternity. The Tampa Bay region’s only voter is JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports.

Joe is not surprised by today’s developments.

Too many voters are blind to the depths of Barber’s unique accomplishments. Plus, Barber makes no effort to play the politics of the game. He could be schmoozing voters when they gather with media at offseason events like the NFL Scouting Combine and the spring owners meetings, and he could chat them up at games he calls for FOX, but that’s not Barber’s style.

Rice was more of a long shot than Barber because his career was not as unique, though his numbers are strong.

Joe suspects this is the year Lynch breaks through, but it won’t be easy. Kaufman will have to be on his A-game as a presenter.

20 Responses to “John Lynch Is A Hall Of Fame Finalist For The 7th Time; Rondé And Simeon Miss The Cut”

  1. Wesley Says:

    Rhonde and Lynch will eventually get in.

  2. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Lynch should be a lock this year

  3. BridleOaks Buc Says:

    How does a guy whose name is enshrined in 2 team rings of honor (Bucs and Broncos) not get in? Is there another player named in 2 teams ROH?

  4. Deez days Says:

    Not blind it’s just that it’s hard for corners to get in the hall

  5. Davenport Buc Says:

    Its “The Hall of Fame”, not the “Hall of Good”.

    Ronde was really good, but not one of the all time greats, same as Simeon, same as Lynch (who will get in because of his GM work)

  6. Ndog Says:

    This is freaking ridiculous when it comes to Ronde.

  7. geno711 Says:

    I always loved Ronde’s play. When it came to national respect, he never got enough.

    John Lynch was special to my family. He presented a scholarship to my nephew as a high school senior based upon his football play and community service. I think he gave out two a year when he was a Buc.

    We were lucky to have both those guys as a member of the team and the community. I wish the best for them.

  8. AlteredEgo Say: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    Just a trivia bit, no reflection on #47
    Lynch never returned an interception for a TD as a Buccaneer

  9. Alanbucsfan Says:

    If Ty Law is in HOF, Ronde should be in

  10. Jonathan Limpchimpi Says:

    Lynch will get in this go around…what he has done with the 49ers as the GM will get him over the hump. That “shouldn’t” count…but will. I follow the Broncos as I was born there…still can’t believe they put him in their ring of honor. He was good there…not great. He’s such a swell guy that he gets extra accolades IMO.

  11. FortMyersDave Says:

    Get #47 a gold jacket Ira.

  12. Wesley Says:

    @bridleoaks yes there absolutely are players in 2 ROH’s. I think it’s ridiculous that Lynch is in their ROH after only playing there for 3 or 4 yrs.

  13. FortMyersDave Says:

    Joe’s: does Ira have a vote on the veteran’s committee? Always believed that Jimmie Giles could get a jacket via that venue!

    @Alan and NDog: you guys are right: #20 would already have his gold jacket if he played in NY, NE, or any of the other high profile dash big market teams.

  14. Buc4evr Says:

    Yeah, I’d like to see Lynch in the HOF, but at the end of the day both Ronde and Sim were better players. On top of his stats, Rondo burned down the Vet and got us into the SB, that has to count for something. Guess not…..

  15. spicoli Says:

    Ronde should be a lock to get in. He redefined the Slot CB position and the blitzing CB.

  16. Brandon Says:

    Wesley Says:
    January 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 pm
    Rhonde and Lynch will eventually get in

    __________

    RONDE is an all-time great. Show some respect and spell his name right, Weasly!

  17. Jean Lafitte Says:

    WTG John

    The Bucs should retire his number.

    GL with your 49er team

  18. BUC CHEEKS Says:

    It’s actually Rondé… Brandon^^

  19. Dom>Licht Says:

    Barber is only a hall of fame guy to Bucs fans Great player but come on people.

  20. adam from ny Says:

    that picture of lynch all over the internet in a patriots uniform, where he is bookended by ronde barber and derrick brooks is a site for sore eyes