As of almost a month ago, news about the Bucs’ next Bucs Ring of Honor inductee – and the date of their induction – is expected any day now. I have a plea for the Bucs’ decision-makers: It’s Simeon Rice’s time.
The Glazers will be tempted to rush to Tom Brady’s induction because of the buzz it’s sure to generate and the number of tickets it’s likely to sell. Despite the fact that James Wilder is overdue for an induction into the Bucs Ring of Honor, that does not appear to be happening right now. There is also Hardy Nickerson, who deserves a ceremony at some point. Gene Deckerhoff deserves a ceremony at some point.
Give Simeon Rice flowers this year, Bucs.
Simeon Rice’s Bucs Ring of Honor Moment Has Arrived
Rice is one of the most prolific pass rushers in franchise history but has not been inducted into the Ring of Honor
In Tampa Bay, Rice was the only Buccaneer with five consecutive double-digit sack seasons. During his time in Tampa Bay (2001-2006), the Illinois product made two Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro. His 69.5 career sacks rank third behind Lee Roy Selmon (78.5) and Warren Sapp (77).
Rice is right there with Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, and John Lynch when it comes to the greatest defense in franchise history.
In 2002, he was a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro. He ended that year with 15.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, as well as an interception. During the playoffs, he recorded five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
With two sacks and a forced fumble in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XXXVII victory over Oakland, Rice was unstoppable.
Despite the lack of buzz surrounding the guy’s Hall of Fame case in recent years, he’s a Bucs legend and deserves the same treatment.
Rice deserves to see his name on the Raymond James Stadium wall. And he’s waited long enough. Bucs, it’s time.
Bucs’ Ring of Honor Is Incomplete without Simeon Rice
The Bucs Ring of Honor is well represented by Tampa Bay’s 2002 Super Bowl team, especially the defense.
Mike Alstott was the lone offensive representative from that championship team in 2015, joining Warren Sapp in 2013. Derrick Brooks joined him in 2014.
After Lynch was inducted in 2016, Malcolm Glazer followed in 2017. As a result of COVID, Ronde Barber was finally inducted in 2019, followed by Monte Kiffin in 2021. A few years ago, former head coach Jon Gruden was also inducted, but removed after some unsavory and offensive emails surfaced that led to his firing from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Ring of Honor feels incomplete without Simeon Rice. Once he gets his induction, that may mark the end of the first Super Bowl team.
Rice is the pick for 2023, but Brady, Wilder, Nickerson and Deckerhoff deserve recognition as well. Their days will come.
This fall, why not celebrate the always-energetic, always-fun pass rushing phenom at halftime? Do the right thing, Buccaneers.
Simeon Rice’s time has come.
