Ronde Barber
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
Stats:
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
184 lb (83 kg)
Born:
April 7, 1975
Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback / Safety
College:
Virginia (1993–1996)
Ronde Barber carved out one of the most impressive careers in NFL history as a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drafted in 1997, Barber spent all 16 seasons with the Bucs and became known for his intelligence, toughness, and versatility. A key piece of the legendary Tampa 2 defense, he played a hybrid role—covering receivers, blitzing quarterbacks, and stopping the run.
His career was marked by consistency and durability, starting 215 consecutive games—an NFL record for cornerbacks. Barber finished his career with over 1,200 tackles, 47 interceptions, and 28 sacks, making him the only player in league history with 45+ INTs and 25+ sacks. He played a vital role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XXXVII win and delivered one of the franchise’s most iconic moments: a 92-yard pick-six in the 2002 NFC Championship Game.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023, a testament to his all-around excellence.
Barber's Awards and Records
- Super Bowl champion (XXXVII)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2004, 2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2006)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2001, 2004–2006, 2008)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (2001)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor
- 2× Third-team All-American (1994, 1996)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (1994)
- 3× First-team All-ACC (1994–1996)
- Virginia Cavaliers Jersey No. 19 retired
NFL Records
- Only player in NFL history with 45+ INTs and 25+ sacks
- Most consecutive starts by a cornerback (215)
- Most games played by a Tampa Bay Buccaneer (241)
- Only defensive back in NFL history with 14+ total return touchdowns
- First cornerback in NFL to record 20 sacks and 20 interceptions
NFL Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997–2012)
Numbers Worn:
20
NFL draft:
1997: 3rd round, 66th pick
NFL Stats
Seasons:
16 (1997–2012)
Games Played:
241
Total tackles:
1,251
Sacks:
28.0
Forced fumbles:
15
Fumble recoveries:
12
Passes defended:
197
Interceptions:
47
Total touchdowns:
14