Buccaneers: Why Ronde Barber is being snubbed in Hall of Fame voting?
Ronde Barber had one of the most storied and success careers in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, but is getting snubbed in Hall of Fame voting.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Ronde Barber didn’t advance past the semifinal round of the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process for a third-straight year.
Barber, who spent his entire 16-year career with the Bucs, finished with 1,231 tackles, 28 sacks, 166 pass deflections, 47 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles and 14 touchdowns.
He was a part of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII championship team and earned Pro Bowl honors five times, was named a first-team All-Pro three times and a second-team All-Pro two times. Barber was also the NFL interceptions leader in 2001 and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Despite all of his accolades, Ronde Barber continues to get snubbed in Hall of Fame voting.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine wrote that one reason Barber is being held back in Hall of Fame voting because of the stigma surrounding the nickelback position, and many football purists don’t quite understand the significance of the unique role.
In addition to playing the nickelback role, Laine noted that the Bucs’ lack of relevance may play a part in Barber not receiving votes for the Hall of Fame.
Whatever the case may be, things need to change.
Not only is Barber one of the greatest defenders in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, he is likely the greatest nickelback of all-time. The amount of versatility needed to play that nickel role should be admired.
Barber didn’t just have to be elite in coverage. He had to come up and help in run-support, rush the passer at times and play a physical brand of coverage to help lead that salty Buccaneer defense.
As time passes, the likelihood of Barber being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame only decreases. Voters will be enamored with other ‘flashy’ players and will forget about many who were up for nomination in the past.
Next. Winston likely in Tampa Bay for the long-term. dark
Things need to change and Barber absolutely deserves a bid into the Hall of Fame because of his versatility, loyalty and longevity.