Leroy Selmon (Defensive End, 1976-1984)
Leroy Selmon was the Buccaneers’ first-ever draft pick and became the franchise’s first superstar. Despite playing during the team’s early struggles, Selmon’s excellence and work ethic set a standard for greatness.
Statistics and Highlights:
- Sacks: Official sack statistics were not recorded for most of his career, but unofficial estimates credit Selmon with 78.5 career sacks.
- Tackles: Estimated to have over 700 tackles.
- Accolades: 6-time Pro Bowler, 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and a 3-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, the first Buccaneer to earn this honor.
- Selmon’s dominant play helped the Buccaneers reach the NFC Championship Game in 1979, just four years after the franchise’s inception.
