Warren Sapp’s Bold Three-Word Tribute to Former Teammate

Sapp’s message wasn’t just emotional, it was earned. Together, Rice and Sapp terrorized offenses during Tampa Bay’s dominant run in the early 2000s, culminating in a 48–21 Super Bowl XXXVII victory where Rice recorded two sacks and five tackles, putting an exclamation mark on his legacy. That defensive front is still considered one of the most fearsome in NFL history.

Rice’s résumé speaks for itself:

• Super Bowl Champion

• 122 career sacks (20th all-time)

• 3× Pro Bowler

• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996)

• Big Ten’s all-time sack leader (Illinois)

“He was relentless, explosive off the edge,” Sapp once said during an NFL Films retrospective. “When Simeon lined up, you knew quarterbacks were on borrowed time.”

Now, as Sapp steps into his first full season as pass rush coordinator at Colorado, Buffaloes fans are buzzing. If Sapp can channel even a fraction of what he and Rice brought to the NFL into Boulder, quarterbacks in the Big 12 should start preparing now.

Rice becomes the 16th member of the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor, joining the likes of Sapp (2013), Derrick Brooks, and Ronde Barber. It’s a long-overdue recognition that adds even more luster to a defensive dynasty, and reignites the spotlight on a tandem that redefined domination.

And with Sapp now mentoring the next generation of pass rushers under Coach Prime, the message is clear: greatness isn’t just remembered it’s rebuilt, one snap at a time.