Lee Roy Selmon

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Lore & Background

His legacy is cemented by the fact that he was the first Buccaneer to have his jersey number retired, though the franchise has since also retired numbers for Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott (John Lynch's #47 has not been officially retired). In an era where defensive ends were expected to be immovable objects, Selmon possessed a unique blend of power and agility that allowed him to rush the passer with terrifying efficiency. He helped lead the Bucs to their first-ever playoff victory in 1979 against the Philadelphia Eagles, a moment that signaled the arrival of the franchise as a legitimate contender in the NFL.

In Their Own Story

The humidity of the Florida afternoon hung heavy over Tampa Stadium as Lee Roy Selmon lined up on the defensive end. The crowd roared, a sea of red and pewter rising to greet their hometown hero. He adjusted his helmet, feeling the familiar weight of the pads that had protected him through years of hard hits. With a sharp nod to his brother Dewey across the line, Lee Roy exploded off the snap, his eyes locked on the quarterback. The roar of the crowd faded into a singular focus as he drove past the tackle, a force of nature destined to change the history of the game.

Reader's Guide

Lee Roy Selmon played his entire ten-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1976 to 1985. He was selected in the first round of the 1976 draft and immediately became a Pro Bowl selection, earning the honor four times during his tenure. Selmon's signature play style involved a relentless pass rush that terrorized opposing quarterbacks. He recorded numerous sacks, though specific counts varied by year due to different recording standards at the time. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Bucs to their first playoff win in franchise history. His impact on the franchise is immeasurable; he is the only player to have his jersey number, 52, retired by the Buccaneers. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor, Selmon remains the standard against which all future defensive ends are measured.

Did You Know?

• Lee Roy Selmon was the first player in franchise history to have his jersey number retired by the Buccaneers, though the team has since also retired numbers for Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott (John Lynch's
• He played alongside his younger brother, Dewey Selmon, forming one of the most famous sibling duos on a single NFL roster.
• Selmon was selected as an All-Pro defensive end three times during his career with Tampa Bay.
• He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, cementing his status as one of the greatest players ever.