While NFL alum Simeon Rice awaits news on his Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy, his former Buccaneers team is inducting him into its prestigious Ring of Honor later this month.
“During his Hall of Fame worthy 12-year career,” says Bucs Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer, “Simeon established himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. He is immensely deserving of his place as only the 16th member of our Ring of Honor. He left an indelible mark on our franchise. His credentials for induction are unquestionable but he’s equally qualified and deserves an overdue call from Canton.”
Rice was a first-round selection by the Cardinals out of the University of Illinois in the 1996 Draft. He played five seasons in Arizona before signing as an unrestricted free agent in Tampa Bay in 2001. In his second season with the Bucs, he– along with future Hall of Famers John Lynch, Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp— helped win Super Bowl XXXVII, which was the club’s first NFL championship. After six seasons (including two Pro Bowl nods), Rice finished his career during 2007 with the Browns and Colts.
The Hall of Fame is expected to reduce the list of modern-day candidates to 25 next week. Meanwhile, Rice is looking forward to being honored at halftime of the Bucs’ home game on November 30. He will be formally inducted into the Ring of Honor at that point.
“There is nothing like being honored at home in front of the Bucs fans,” Rice says. ”I played with several teams but there is nothing like being honored by a team that you helped take to the next level. I appreciate the Ring of Honor attention from the bottom of my heart.”
Rice’s on the field credentials cannot be denied. He had 10 or more quarterback sacks in 8 of his first 10 years in the league. Overall, Rice recorded 122 sacks in his career, forced 25 fumbles, recovered 8, and intercepted five passes. His sacks total ranks in the top 25 of all time.
We at NFL Alumni congratulate Simeon Rice on his Ring of Honor award and hope, for his sake, it is just one more step toward immortality in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
