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Former Wahoo Ronde Barber Inducted Into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Barber became the third player in Virginia football history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Matt Newton

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Welcome to Canton, Ronde Barber. 

Legendary former Virginia defensive back Ronde Barber was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Saturday. His twin brother and fellow former Wahoo Tiki Barber joined him on stage as Barber's Hall of Fame bust was unveiled. 

Barber became the third player in the history of the Virginia football program to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Bill Dudley (inducted 1966) and Henry Jordan (inducted 1995). Former Virginia football head coach Earle "Greasy" Neale was also inducted, as was UVA alum and founder of the Buffalo Bills, Ralph Wilson Jr.

After being named a First-Team All-ACC selection in each of the three seasons he played at the University of Virginia, Barber was selected in the 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft with the 66th overall pick by Tampa Bay, where he spent the entirety of his 16-year NFL career. Barber started every game for the Buccaneers from 2000 to 2012 and his 215-consecutive starts are still an NFL record for a defensive back. He registered 47 interceptions and 14 defensive touchdowns - both Tampa Bay franchise records - and his 1,428 career tackles are third-most in franchise history. Barber remains the only player in NFL history to have at least 40 interceptions and 25 sacks in his career. 

Barber was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and was a three-time First-Team All-Pro. He became a Super Bowl champion when he helped the Buccaneers take down the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. 

In his Hall of Fame speech, Barber made sure to thank his brother Tiki, saying, "I am here because of my brother." 

Click here to watch Ronde Barber's full Hall of Fame induction speech. 

Congratulations on a legendary football career, Ronde Barber, well deserving of his eternal place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

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Matt Newton
MATT NEWTON

Matt launched Virginia Cavaliers On SI in August of 2021 and has since served as the site's publisher and managing editor, covering all 23 NCAA Division I sports teams at the University of Virginia. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and graduated from UVA in May of 2021.

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