Bucs Announce Date Of Ring Of Honor Induction For Simeon Rice

The Bucs officially announced on Monday that they will be inducting edge rusher Simeon Rice into the Ring of Honor this year. This comes into the fold of Tampa Bay’s 50th season celebration as Rice was a major factor in the team winning their first Super Bowl in the 2002 season.

Rice recorded 69.5 sacks in six seasons in Tampa Bay. That is good for third best in Bucs’ franchise history. Over an eight-season stretch from 1998 to 2005, Rice amassed a league-best 101.5 sacks, outpacing Pro Football Hall of Fame contemporaries such as Michael Strahan and Jason Taylor. From 2001 to 2005, Rice recorded at least 11.0 sacks in each season, becoming one of only five players in NFL history at the time to post double-digit sacks in five consecutive years for the same team.

Rice had the best years of his career with the Bucs and is most known for his time in Tampa Bay. He did begin his career with the Arizona Cardinals, so it makes sense that the Bucs are inducting him into the Ring of Honor when the Bucs host the Cardinals in Week 13 on November 30 at Raymond James Stadium.

Bucs Ownership Comments On Simeon Rice Announcement

Bucs co-owner and chairman Bryan Glazer gave a speech and made the announcement. He highlighted Rice’s impact on the defense and career accolades in Tampa.

“During his Hall of Fame-worthy 12-year career, Simeon Rice established himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history and is immensely deserving of his place as the 16th member in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor,” Glazer said.  “Simeon arrived in Tampa prior to the 2001 season and immediately elevated our defense into one of the greatest of all-time. He left an indelible mark on our franchise, and we look forward to honoring and celebrating his great career this upcoming season.”

Glazer then mentioned what many in Tampa have felt – that Rice should also be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also congratulated him for the accomplishment.

Bucs edge rusher Simeon Rice and Bucs co-owners Darcie Glazer-Kassewitz and Bryan Glazer – Photo by: Matt Matera P/R

“Notably, he is the only retired player with 100 sacks over eight consecutive seasons who doesn’t own a gold jacket. It’s time to rectify that oversight. Simeon’s induction into our Ring Of Honor will take place during halftime over our November 30th game against the Arizona Cardinals. We cordially invite all Krewe Members and join us for what promises to be another momentous occasion in celberation of 50 unforgettable seasons.

Simeon, thank you for the pivotal role you played in elevating our defense into new heights. And Thanks you for delivering us a Lombardi Trophy. You were the missing piece that unlocked our championship. Welcome to the newest member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”

The Bucs played a video commemorating the highlights of his career. Rice then gave a speech and answered questions where he was very emotional about this accomplishment. Most of it was about thinking of his parents and family, wanting to honor their name. His love for football and the pursuit of football was often reiterated.

We also spoke of Rice’s press conference on Monday’s Pewter Report Podcast recapping his importance to the Bucs and reacting to his emotional comments. Subscribe to our YouTube channel – PewterReport.TV, and help get us to 19,000 subscribers on the account!