Biography
Lee Roy Selmon (October 20, 1954 – September 4, 2011) was an American football defensive end who played his entire professional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, Selmon played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a consensus All-American and won the Lombardi Award in 1975. He was selected first overall in the 1976 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line.
During his career with the Buccaneers from 1976 to 1984, Selmon was named to six Pro Bowls and earned First-team All-Pro honors three times. He was instrumental in leading the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearance in 1979 and their first NFC Championship Game in 1980. Selmon's exceptional performance and versatility on the field earned him a reputation as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Selmon was a beloved figure in the Tampa Bay community. After retiring from professional football, he pursued a career in business and higher education, serving as the associate athletic director at the University of South Florida. His legacy extends beyond the gridiron, as he was known for his humility, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to mentoring young athletes.