Jenna Laine, who covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for ESPN, has been reporting on the team since 2016. However, her journey with the Bucs began back in 2009. Jenna, a former cheerleader at the University of South Florida, considers the program to be one of the best in the nation in terms of consistency.
Co-owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bryan Glazer, recently expressed his belief that defensive end Simeon Rice deserves recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rice, who accumulated an impressive 122 sacks over 12 seasons and played a key role in the Bucs’ victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, was named the newest member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. The induction ceremony is set for Nov. 30, coinciding with the Bucs’ game against the Arizona Cardinals, where Rice spent the first five seasons of his career.
Glazer highlighted Rice’s remarkable stats, pointing out that from 1996 to 2005, Rice secured a league-best 101.5 sacks, outperforming Hall of Famers Michael Strahan and Jason Taylor. With eight seasons of double-digit sack totals during that period, Rice’s achievements place him among the elite in NFL history. Despite being a semifinalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, Rice was not named a finalist. However, Glazer believes that the time has come to rectify this oversight and acknowledge Rice’s undeniable talent and contribution to the sport.
Reflecting on his Hall of Fame eligibility, Rice mentioned how he once felt the need for recognition but has since let go of that burden. He became emotional when discussing his late parents, Henry and Evelyn, who passed away before witnessing his achievements being acknowledged. Rice’s induction into the Ring of Honor has helped him find closure and reconcile with his past, paving the way for him to move forward with a sense of fulfillment and pride.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization fully supports Rice’s journey to the Hall of Fame, viewing the Ring of Honor designation as a significant step towards that goal. With past inductees like John Lynch and Ronde Barber eventually making it to Canton, the team believes that Rice is equally deserving of such prestigious recognition. As the 16th member of the Ring of Honor, Rice’s legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Bucs history is solidified, honoring his contributions to the team’s success over the years.
Rice’s impact on the Bucs’ defense cannot be understated, with Glazer acknowledging his role in elevating the team to new heights and being instrumental in their Super Bowl triumph. With an impressive 15.5 sacks during the championship season, including a standout performance in the postseason, Rice’s presence on the field was truly unmatched. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Rice’s resilience and dedication to the game have left a lasting impression on both his teammates and fans alike. As he prepares for his induction into the Ring of Honor, Rice’s legacy as a Bucs legend continues to inspire future generations of players and fans.
