GOOD NEWS: Oklahoma Sooners and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Unite to Honor Football Icon with Official “Lee Roy Selmon Day”**
In a moving and historic tribute to one of football’s most revered figures, the **University of Oklahoma** and the **Tampa Bay Buccaneers** have officially declared **“Lee Roy Selmon Day”**—a celebration of the life, legacy, and lasting impact of the Hall of Fame defensive end whose contributions forever changed the game.
The announcement, made jointly by university officials and the Buccaneers organization, honors **Lee Roy Selmon** as a transcendent figure in both college and professional football. From his dominant days at Oklahoma to his role as the very first draft pick—and first superstar—of the Buccaneers franchise, Selmon embodied the qualities of excellence, humility, leadership, and integrity that continue to inspire athletes and fans alike.
Selmon, a key member of Oklahoma’s famed “Selmon Brothers” trio, was a two-time All-American and the 1975 Lombardi Award winner. He helped lead the Sooners to back-to-back national championships, earning a reputation as one of the most feared and respected defensive players in NCAA history. His legacy at Oklahoma remains unmatched, both on the field and through his later role as a university administrator and advocate for student-athletes.
After being selected No. 1 overall by the Buccaneers in the 1976 NFL Draft, Selmon went on to become the cornerstone of a fledgling franchise, eventually earning **NFL Defensive Player of the Year** honors and a spot in the **Pro Football Hall of Fame**. He was the first Buccaneer to receive that honor, and his number 63 was the first ever retired by the team.
“Lee Roy Selmon wasn’t just a football player—he was a pillar of every community he touched,” said Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione. “He set the standard for what it means to be great, not just athletically, but as a human being.”
“Lee Roy Selmon Day” will be marked annually by both institutions, with events including youth mentorship programs, football clinics, and a scholarship initiative aimed at continuing Selmon’s legacy of service and education.
Family, former teammates, and fans across the country have welcomed the announcement with emotional tributes and gratitude. In an era that often values flash over substance, Selmon’s story serves as a timeless reminder: true greatness is measured by how you lift others.
Lee Roy Selmon’s legacy lives on—forever etched in the hearts of Oklahom
a and Tampa Bay.
