“Oklahoma Sooners and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Unite to Honor Football Icon with Official “Lee Roy Selmon Day” Proclamation”

In a heartfelt and historic tribute, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined forces this week to honor the late, great Lee Roy Selmon by officially proclaiming “Lee Roy Selmon Day.” This monumental celebration recognizes not only Selmon’s legendary football career but also his extraordinary impact on both the college and professional levels. From his humble beginnings in Eufaula, Oklahoma, to becoming the first-ever draft pick of the Buccaneers, Selmon’s journey remains a testament to hard work, humility, and a passion for making a difference.

The proclamation ceremony, which took place simultaneously at the University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium and at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, drew a packed audience of family, friends, former teammates, fans, and local dignitaries. It was a moment that transcended sports, bringing together two communities separated by over a thousand miles but forever linked by one remarkable man.

Lee Roy Selmon’s legacy is undeniable. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in football history, he dominated the game with an unparalleled combination of power, speed, and intelligence. His career began in the early 1970s at the University of Oklahoma, where he quickly made his mark as a star defensive lineman. Playing alongside his brothers Lucious and Dewey, Selmon helped anchor a defense that would go on to secure back-to-back national championships in 1974 and 1975 under legendary coach Barry Switzer.

Selmon’s college accolades are staggering. He won the Outland Trophy in 1975 as the nation’s best interior lineman and was a two-time All-American. His performance on the field was matched by his character off it. Known for his quiet leadership and unassuming demeanor, Selmon set the standard for what it meant to be a Sooner — tough, smart, and selfless.

In 1976, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Selmon the No. 1 overall pick in their inaugural NFL Draft. It was a fitting choice for a franchise looking to build its identity from scratch. Selmon became the cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense, earning six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1979.

His efforts helped turn the Buccaneers from a struggling expansion team into a playoff contender, culminating in a 1979 NFC Championship appearance. Selmon’s impact went beyond the gridiron. He became a beloved figure in Tampa Bay, known for his philanthropy, his dedication to the community, and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

The official proclamation of “Lee Roy Selmon Day” is a fitting tribute to a man who embodied the very best of what football can represent. At the ceremony in Norman, University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. delivered an emotional address, calling Selmon “a shining example of what it means to be a Sooner — a fierce competitor on the field, a humble servant off it, and a leader who inspired generations.”

“Today, we come together as a university, as a community, and as a family to honor Lee Roy Selmon,” Harroz said. “His legacy is woven into the very fabric of our program. He was a champion in every sense of the word, and his example continues to guide us.”

In Tampa Bay, Buccaneers owner Bryan Glazer echoed those sentiments. “Lee Roy Selmon was more than a Hall of Famer — he was the heartbeat of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Glazer said. “His leadership, his kindness, and his dedication to this community left an indelible mark that will never be forgotten.”

For Selmon’s family, the day was both joyous and bittersweet. His widow, Claybra Selmon, and their three children were present at both ceremonies, each sharing memories of a man who was as devoted to his family as he was to his craft.

“Lee Roy was the kind of person who made you feel like the most important person in the world when you were with him,” Claybra said. “He had a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that touched everyone he met. This day is a beautiful reminder of the love and respect he continues to inspire.”

Former Oklahoma and Buccaneers teammates also shared their memories. Dewey Selmon, who played alongside his brother at both OU and in Tampa Bay, spoke with a mix of pride and emotion.

“Lee Roy was my brother, my teammate, and my hero,” Dewey said. “He never sought the spotlight, but he always shone the brightest. He taught me — and so many others — that true greatness comes from lifting others up.”

Selmon’s impact stretched far beyond the football field. After retiring in 1984 due to a back injury, he continued to serve the Tampa Bay community in countless ways. He became the athletic director at the University of South Florida, where he helped launch the school’s football program and mentored countless student-athletes.

In 2004, the Buccaneers honored Selmon’s contributions by inducting him into their Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. His number 63 jersey remains the only one officially retired by the franchise — a testament to his unmatched influence.

Selmon was also enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game. But those who knew him best say that his true legacy lies in the way he lived his life — with humility, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to helping others.

In conjunction with the “Lee Roy Selmon Day” proclamation, the University of Oklahoma and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of events to celebrate Selmon’s legacy throughout the year. These include youth football camps in his honor, community service days modeled after his charitable work, and educational programs aimed at teaching leadership and character — two qualities that defined Selmon’s life.

“Lee Roy believed in lifting up the next generation,” said Sooner head coach Brent Venables. “He was a mentor and a role model. These events are a way for us to carry forward his vision of using football as a platform to build better communities.”

For fans and alumni, “Lee Roy Selmon Day” is more than a ceremonial gesture — it’s a powerful reminder of the values that Selmon embodied. In Norman, banners displaying his image and the words “Legacy. Leadership. Lee Roy.” have been raised across campus. In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers announced that they would wear commemorative helmet decals in his honor for one home game each season.

“I think it’s important that we remember what Lee Roy stood for,” said former teammate and fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. “He was the ultimate teammate. He didn’t care about the accolades or the fame. He cared about doing things the right way, and about making the world a better place.”

As the ceremonies wrapped up, it was clear that Lee Roy Selmon’s spirit is still very much alive. Fans in attendance spoke of his kindness and how he treated everyone — from teammates to strangers — with respect and dignity. Former Sooners coach Barry Switzer summed it up perfectly.

“Lee Roy was one of the finest men I ever coached,” Switzer said. “He was the ultimate competitor, but more importantly, he was the ultimate gentleman. This day is about honoring that legacy and making sure future generations know the kind of man he was.”

While “Lee Roy Selmon Day” is a moment to look back, it’s also an opportunity to look forward. Both the Oklahoma Sooners and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are committed to ensuring that Selmon’s legacy endures for generations to come.

Plans are underway to create permanent installations at both stadiums, including interactive exhibits showcasing Selmon’s life and career. At the University of Oklahoma, discussions are already underway to expand scholarship opportunities in Selmon’s name, providing future Sooners with the chance to carry forward his mission of excellence.

Lee Roy Selmon’s story is one of triumph, perseverance, and selfless service. From the dusty fields of Oklahoma to the bright lights of the NFL, he blazed a trail that continues to inspire athletes and fans alike. “Lee Roy Selmon Day” is more than a celebration of past glory — it’s a reaffirmation of the values that make sports such a powerful force for good.

As fans chanted “Boomer Sooner!” and “Go Bucs!” in unison during the ceremonies, it was a reminder that Lee Roy Selmon’s legacy will forever bridge these two football families. His gentle smile and relentless work ethic left an indelible mark that will never fade.

In a world where heroes often fade away, Lee Roy Selmon’s light shines brighter than ever. His legacy — as a player, a leader, and a man — will endure as long as footballs are snapped and communities come together. And thanks to the Oklahoma Sooners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the countless lives he touched, the world will always have a day to honor one of its finest.