Buccaneers Honor Franchise Legend Simeon Rice

On Thursday morning it was reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be adding a new member to their Ring of Honor. This new member is Bucs legendary defensive end Simeon Rice. It is the first addition to this exclusive club since 2019. 

Perhaps this should come as no surprise after Rice was asked to announce the team’s second and third round picks in the most recent NFL draft. Rice has always been a fan favorite and that was only reinforced seeing him on stage. Now he will join the most iconic and beloved Buccaneers of all time.

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Rice joined the Bucs after spending five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, including his rookie season where he was voted Rookie of the Year. He joined the Bucs in 2001 and played six seasons in Tampa where he had two Pro Bowls during that time along with a first team All Pro nod along with one second team All Pro selection. 

Rice had 69.5 sacks with the Bucs, including three years where he logged 14.0+ sacks. He’s also ranked 21st on the official leaderboard for most sacks all-time with 122.0, so his status as a great pass rusher is undeniable. He also had 19 forced fumbles in that time, including one year where he led the NFL in that category. 

However, what he will be most remembered for with the Bucs is his impact on their Super Bowl winning defense. In the 2002 season Rice recorded his career high in sacks with the Bucs at 15.5. He more than doubled fellow first team All Pro defensive lineman Warren Sapp in sacks that year and led the team.

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Rice’s impact in the playoffs was even bigger. He led the NFL in sacks in the postseason that year as well as in forced fumbles. This included a pair of sacks and a forced fumble in the 48-21 Super Bowl win over the Oakland Raiders.

It is nice that he can now join several of his teammates in the Ring of Honor. Along with the likes of Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, John Lynch and Ronde Barber, Rice was a key part of what might have been the best defense in the history of the NFL. Now he will join them in the Ring of Honor. Perhaps one day he will join those four in the NFL Hall of Fame as well. 

Many fans have called for Rice’s admittance into the NFL Hall of Fame. With 122.0 career he ranks above the likes of Cam Jordan and Khalil Mack who are both viewed as potential Hall of Famers. Sadly, having not been elected at this point he likely never will be. 

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Hopefully induction into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor will be some consolation to fans. While Rice may not be acknowledged as one of the all time great players in NFL history, there is no doubt that he is an all time great Buccaneer. This honor is long overdue and a great way to recognize his accomplishments with the team.