Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lee Roy Selmon statue unveiled today

Another great of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been immortalized, as Lee Roy Selmon now has a statue in downtown Tampa Bay.

Perhaps the greatest pass rusher in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been immortalized today in downtown Tampa Bay. A statue of Buccaneer great Lee Roy Selmon has been unveiled at the corner of Brorein and Florida to signify his significance to the city as both a Buccaneer and as the Athletic Director of the University of South Florida.

The Athletic’s Greg Auman documented the special occasion today as Selmon’s family gathered in memory and celebration of Selmon. A necessary and fitting way to show what Selmon, potentially the most influential athlete in the history of the city of Tampa Bay, means to the community.

During his time with the Buccaneers, Selmon started 117 games, made six Pro Bowls, and was named an All-Pro once while dawning the creamsicle uniforms. Unfortunately tackles and sacks were not a recorded stat during his time in the NFL, however estimated by NFL.com, Selmon recorded 78.5 sacks and 28.5 forced fumbles in his career.

To add to his accolades, Selmon was the first overall pick (the team’s first ever draft pick) of the Buccaneers in 1976, was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1979, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. He is now immortalized in both Canton and Tampa Bay.

Without a doubt he is the most productive pass rusher, up there with Warren Sapp, to ever represent the Buccaneers. After his playing career, Selmon served as the A.D. at USF from 2001-2004; he has a building named after him on campus as well.

While Selmon lost his life too early due to a stroke, he will forever be remembered for his impact in the community. Adding to his bust in Canton, and his building at USF, Selmon now has a statue in the community to cherish his life and success in Tampa Bay.