In a historic tribute, the late Lee Roy Selmon, the indomitable Oklahoma Sooners football legend, has been posthumously honored as one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME magazine. This milestone cements Selmon’s towering legacy, not only as a gridiron titan but as a beacon of character, community, and enduring impact. His inclusion in the prestigious TIME 100 list is a testament to a life that transcended athletics, weaving a narrative of excellence, humility, and inspiration that continues to resonate decades after his final snap.
Born in Eufaula, Oklahoma, in 1954, Lee Roy Selmon’s journey to sports immortality began in the heart of Sooner country. The youngest of nine siblings raised on a modest family farm, Selmon’s work ethic and quiet strength were forged early. At the University of Oklahoma, he became the cornerstone of one of college football’s most formidable defenses. Playing defensive tackle from 1972 to 1975, Selmon’s blend of speed, power, and instinct redefined the position. His senior year culminated in a national championship in 1975, with Selmon earning unanimous All-American honors, the Outland Trophy, and the Lombardi Award—an unprecedented trifecta for a defensive lineman. His No. 93 jersey remains a sacred symbol in Norman, a reminder of the man who elevated Oklahoma football to new heights.
Yet, Selmon’s influence extended far beyond the field. As the first overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he brought credibility to an expansion franchise. In nine seasons, he transformed the Bucs’ defense, earning six Pro Bowl selections, the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995—the first Buccaneer to receive the honor. His signature “Selmon Sack” became a nightmare for quarterbacks, but it was his off-field demeanor that left an indelible mark. Known for his humility and kindness, Selmon was a leader who inspired teammates not through bravado but through action. “He was the kind of man who made everyone around him better,” said former teammate Doug Williams. “Not just as players, but as people.”
Selmon’s post-NFL life further amplified his influence. Returning to his beloved Oklahoma, he served as an athletic administrator at the University of South Florida, where he helped build the football program from scratch. His commitment to education and mentorship shaped countless young lives, earning him admiration as a community pillar. The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa bears his name, a fitting tribute to a man who connected people as effortlessly as he disrupted offensive lines. Even after his untimely passing in 2011 at age 56, Selmon’s legacy endures through the Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurant chain, a nod to his love for bringing people together over food and fellowship.
TIME’s recognition of Selmon in 2025 underscores his role as a pioneer. As the only African-American defensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy in his era, he broke barriers in a sport often defined by tradition. His success paved the way for future generations, proving that talent and character could transcend systemic challenges. “Lee Roy didn’t just play football; he changed how we see leadership,” said Barry Switzer, his former coach at Oklahoma. “He was a giant in every sense.”
This honor also highlights Selmon’s broader cultural impact. In an age where sports icons are often measured by social media clout or endorsement deals, Selmon’s inclusion reminds us of the timeless power of authenticity. He never sought the spotlight, yet his influence radiated through his actions—whether mentoring a struggling student, supporting local charities, or quietly revolutionizing defensive play. His story resonates in 2025, as sports grapple with questions of legacy and purpose. Selmon’s life offers a blueprint: greatness is not just in what you achieve, but in how you uplift others.
For Sooner Nation, this accolade is a moment of pride and reflection. Fans still share stories of Selmon’s bone-rattling tackles and warm smile, while younger generations discover his legend through grainy highlight reels and oral histories. The TIME 100 honor ensures that his name will echo beyond Oklahoma’s borders, inspiring athletes and non-athletes alike to pursue excellence with integrity.
Lee Roy Selmon’s posthumous recognition is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of a life that embodied the best of sports. From the red dirt of Eufaula to the hallowed halls of Canton, Selmon’s journey reminds us that true influence is measured not in headlines, but in hearts touched and paths forged. Congratulations, Lee Roy—your legacy
shines brighter than ever.