For the second straight year, former Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber has been selected as a Hall of Fame finalist. Barber was one of 15 players selected for consideration. Last year, Barber and safety John Lynch were both among the pool of finalists. Of course, Lynch was selected while Barber was not.

Barber has been eligible for the Pro Bowl for five years now. The Super Bowl champion revolutionized the nickel cornerback position for years in Tampa Bay. Barber is widely recognized as one of the greatest defensive playmakers of all time. In fact, he’s the only player in NFL history with at least 45 interceptions and 25 sacks. Barber finished his career with 47 picks and 28 sacks. Impossibly, Barber scored 14 non-offensive touchdowns in his career. Only three players have ever scored more.

Barber could be the fifth Buccaneer voted in. Linebacker Derrick Brooks, defensive tackle Warren Sapp and Lynch all anchored the Bucs elite Super Bowl defense in 2003. But Lee Roy Selmon set the standard long ago as the team’s first overall draft pick. In 1995, Selmon became the team’s first Hall of Famer as well.

Barber has long deserved a gold jacket. Will this finally be the year he gets in? On Friday, February 10, the HOF Class of 2022 will be announced.