Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ronde Barber to retire after 16 seasons
Ronde Barber has played 16 seasons, pulled in 47 interceptions, won a Super Bowl and made five Pro Bowls. And he did it with just one team, Tampa Bay.
And even though the Buccaneers were open to having him return another season, the 38-year-old defensive back has decided to call it a career, according to multiple media reports.
Barber confirmed his impending retirement to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.
Just got off the phone w Ronde Barber who told me he is officially retiring. “I’ve had a better run than I ever could’ve dreamed of having.â€â€” Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) May 8, 2013
Barber is the Bucs’ all-time interceptions leader and is the only player in league history with more than 40 interceptions and 20-plus sacks (28). He played cornerback 15 years before moving to safety last season.
“No doubt about it, Ronde’s a Hall of Famer,†former teammate Derrick Brooks told USA TODAY Sports. “If anyone wants to listen, I’d make a case for him. He’s transcended time and his size at that position and what he’s been able to do from the cornerback position, whether from the slot or outside.â€
Barber and his twin brother, Tiki, were both drafted in 1997 -- Tiki in the second round to the New York Giants and Ronde in the third round to Tampa Bay.
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