Barber hanging up the cleats.

[BlueInCanada]

Ronde Barber to retire from Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

 

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• By Gregg Rosenthal
  
• Around The League Editor
  
• Published: May 8, 2013 at 03:30 p.m.
  
• Updated: May 8, 2013 at 05:16 p.m.
  

 

 

 

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Ronde Barber entered the NFL as a backup third-round pick. He spent much of his career in the shadow of his brother Tiki. He leaves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as one of the signature players in the team's franchise history.

Barber is calling it a career after 16 seasons, he told Jay Glazer of FOX Sports on Wednesday. Barber made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All Pros.

 

Ronde Barber through the years

Take a look at the best photos of Ronde Barber.

"I've had a better run than I ever could've dreamed of having," Barber said.

The Buccaneers were open to re-signing Barber, but it was clear he would have a reduced role after the signing of safety Dashon Goldson following the drafting of Mark Barron last year. Barber will be remembered for his toughness, versatility and durability. He holds the record for most consecutive starts by a defensive back (215) and is the only cornerback to record at least 20 sacks and pick off 20 passes in his career. Only Darren Sharper and Rod Woodson scored more defensive touchdowns.

Tony Dungy's "Tampa 2" defense was one of the most dominant trends of the last decade. In many ways, Barber was the defining "Tampa 2" cornerback. He could tackle, cover, blitz and had great instincts to make big plays. He could play inside and out.

Barber will be an interesting case for the Hall of Fame Committee someday, and we believe he'll have a shot at enshrinement. But that's a debate for another day. There is no debating Barber's place as the rock of Tampa's franchise over the last two decades, a player who outlasted his talented twin brother by six full NFL seasons.

That shows it wasn't all about the gene pool. Barber played with as much heart as any player in his generation.

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000167947/article/ronde-barber-to-retire-from-tampa-bay-buccaneers

 

If only Tiki was more of a team player and decided to stay another season.

[fringe]

Yeah we may have won the Super Bow.... oh wait.

[Storm]

Ronde should totally be enshrined some day. You don't play 16 NFL seasons if you aren't one of the best.

[NightFire]

He will get consideration because of his sack and INT ratio. I think he's the only DB to go 20+ on both.

[Steitzenhaus]

He will get consideration because of his sack and INT ratio. I think he's the only DB to go 20+ on both.

Yeah I think he'll get in.

[TrashTalker92]

Yeah I think he'll get in.

 

Me too. LOL at tiki