4. Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber – 1997-2012

By Scott Reynolds

Barber is one of the most decorated Buccaneers in team history. He finished his amazing 16-year career with the most games played (241) and most starts (232) in addition to being Tampa Bay’s second all-time leading tackler with 1,428 stops. But what Barber is known for is picking off passes and pick-sixes.

Ex-Bucs CB Ronde Barber – Photo by: Getty Images

Barber finished his career with 47 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles and 14 defensive touchdowns, which is the most in franchise history. Despite being a third-round draft pick that rarely played as a rookie, Barber became the prototype for the nickel cornerback position in NFL history. Most teams used the third cornerback on the depth chart to play the slot on passing downs, but defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin moved Barber inside to nickel in those situations because he valued the important role Barber could play. Kiffin blitzed him off the edge and Barber recorded 28 sacks, becoming the first NFL player to record at least 40 interceptions and 25 sacks in a career.

What truly made Barber great is the fact that he turned in the greatest and most important play in Tampa Bay history when he intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb in the 2002 NFC Championship Game and sent the Bucs to Super Bowl XXXVII. That 92-yard pick-six is Barber’s signature play and should get him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and certainly the Bucs Ring of Honor.

Reynolds’ Take: “Barber is my ultimate favorite Buccaneer. Barber was one of the most cerebral players in Tampa Bay history and was pound-for-pound one of the toughest players of all time in red and pewter. He was the consummate pro and a Buccaneer legend. Barber’s interception record in Tampa Bay could stand for decades and may never be broken. He truly deserves to be a Hall of Famer.”