A Champion’s Legacy Recognized
On Monday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner Bryan Glazer announced that defensive end Simeon Rice, a key figure in the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII victory, will be inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor on November 30, 2025, during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Glazer emphasized that Simeon Rice is “overdue” for Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition, urging that “it’s time to rectify that oversight” for the 122-sack legend.
Dominating the NFL: Simeon Rice’s Stellar Stats
Glazer emphasized Simeon Rice’s outstanding statistical accomplishments, pointing out that he surpassed Hall of Famers like Jason Taylor and Michael Strahan to accumulate a league-high 101.5 sacks between 1996 and 2005. Simeon Rice recorded eight seasons with double-digit sacks during this time, ranking seventh in NFL history.
Six players before him have already been inducted into the Canton Hall of Fame. Simeon Rice’s case for induction is strengthened by the fact that he is still the only retired player with 100 sacks over eight straight seasons who has not received a gold jacket from the Hall of Fame.
A Pivotal Piece of Tampa Bay’s Championship Puzzle
Simeon Rice, who was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 1996, recorded 12.5 sacks and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. He changed the defense when he joined the Bucs in 2001, with seasons with 11, 15.5, 15, 12, and 14 sacks until 2005.
Tampa Bay’s first championship was won thanks in large part to his 15.5 sacks during the 2002 Super Bowl season, which included four in the postseason and two against Oakland’s Rich Gannon in Super Bowl XXXVII. Glazer acknowledged Simeon Rice as the “missing piece” for that momentous triumph, “elevating our defense to new heights.”
Ring of Honor: A Step Toward Canton
Following in the footsteps of teammates John Lynch and Ronde Barber, he became the 16th member of the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor, which is considered a crucial step toward Hall of Fame enshrinement. The defensive end did not make it to the finals, even though he was a semifinalist for the 2025 Hall of Fame.
He is 21st all-time with 122 career sacks, behind non-Hall of Famers like John Abraham (133.5) and Terrell Suggs (139.0), but he stands out for his constant dominance.
Emotional Reflections on Legacy and Loss
Reflecting on his journey, the former star shared an emotional perspective, noting that Hall of Fame recognition once felt essential, particularly for his late parents, Henry and Evelyn, who passed away in 2015 and 2016. “I wanted to get the call before my father and my mom,” he said, recalling their support during his career.
However, he noted that the Ring of Acolade nod “helps me reconcile a lot of things within my soul,” finding peace in this accolade despite not yet getting a Hall of Fame entry.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Pro Bowl selections in 1999, 2002, and 2003, a first-team All-Pro selection in 2002, and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2003—when he led the NFL in forced fumbles—are just a few of the veteran’s accomplishments. In Tampa Bay history, he has recorded 69.5 sacks, which is third only to Lee Roy Selmon and Warren Sapp.
His reputation as a strong force who exceeded numerous Hall of Famers is further supported by his exceptional accomplishments, which include games with 4.0 and 6.0 sacks.
Honored at Home: A Lasting Impact
“It’s nothing like being honored by a team that you helped take to the next level,” the lineman said, expressing gratitude for Tampa Bay’s recognition. Despite brief stints with Denver and Indianapolis after a 2007 shoulder injury, his heart remains with the Buccaneers, where he made his greatest impact. As the organization rallies behind his Hall of Fame candidacy, this Ring of Honor induction celebrates his legacy while fueling momentum for Canton.
A special moment today for @simeon_rice and his 2-year-old son James as they watched his highlights together. “I didn’t know he was gonna react like that,” Rice said. I asked what lessons he hopes James gleans not just from his NFL career, but the way he’s moved about life. pic.twitter.com/vss4mFxRsX
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) May 20, 2025
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