Lee Roy Selmon
Inducted:
1995
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
256 lb (116 kg)
Born:
October 20, 1954
Eufaula, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:
September 4, 2011
Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Defensive end
College:
Oklahoma (1972–1975)
Lee Roy Selmon was the first true superstar in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history and one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era. Born in 1954, Selmon joined the Buccaneers as the franchise’s first-ever draft pick in 1976 and quickly became the foundation of their defense. His rare combination of strength, speed, and technique made him almost unstoppable, earning him widespread respect throughout the league. Selmon helped lead Tampa Bay from expansion struggles to the 1979 NFC Championship Game, anchoring one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.
A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, he was named the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Known for his leadership, humility, and relentless work ethic, Selmon became an icon both on and off the field in Tampa Bay. His legacy remains central to the Buccaneers’ history. Lee Roy Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
Selmon's Awards and Honors
- 2× National champion (1974, 1975)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1979, 1980, 1982)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1978, 1984)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1979–1984)
- Buccaneers Ring of Honor Member
NFL Records
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1979)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- First-ever draft pick in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history
NFL Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976–1984)
NFL Draft:
1976: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Number Worn:
63
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1976–1984)
Games Played:
121
Game Starts:
117
Tackles:
742
Sacks:
78.5
Fumbles forced:
28.5
