**“TIMELESS HONOR: Oklahoma Legend Lee Roy Selmon Named Posthumously to TIME 100’s Most Influential in Sports, Cementing His Enduring Legacy”**

Lee Roy Selmon’s name resonates far beyond the confines of Norman, Oklahoma. His life and career embody what it means to be a transformational figure—not just in football, but in the broader arena of sports, leadership, and community service. Now, TIME 100 has posthumously named Selmon one of the most influential people in sports history, an honor that solidifies his place not only in the annals of college football but among the giants who used sport as a platform for lasting societal impact. This recognition is more than a ceremonial nod; it is a monumental validation of Selmon’s enduring contributions on and off the field, and a tribute long overdue for a man whose humility and strength defined a generation.

Selmon’s story begins in Eufaula, Oklahoma, as the youngest of nine children in a family that emphasized hard work, education, and faith. It was clear early on that he possessed both physical gifts and a moral compass rare in any era. His rise to prominence began at the University of Oklahoma, where he was the cornerstone of Barry Switzer’s legendary defenses in the 1970s. Alongside his brothers Lucious and Dewey, the Selmon trio became a feared unit, but Lee Roy stood tallest. He won the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in 1975, becoming the first Sooner to win either. That season, Oklahoma went undefeated and won the national championship, with Selmon anchoring one of the most dominant defenses in college football history.

But what truly set Selmon apart wasn’t just his dominance on the field—it was the way he carried himself. Coaches, teammates, and opponents alike remarked on his quiet leadership, his tireless work ethic, and his unwavering humility. He was a terror in the trenches, yet the first to offer a helping hand after the whistle. That combination of intensity and grace would follow him into the professional ranks and beyond.

Selmon became the first-ever draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976, a team mired in expansion struggles and facing a steep learning curve in the NFL. From day one, he brought legitimacy to the franchise. He recorded 78.5 career sacks over nine seasons, though that number doesn’t fully reflect his influence on the field—especially considering that sacks didn’t become an official stat until after he had already begun wreaking havoc. By 1979, he had led the Buccaneers to their first playoff appearance and a trip to the NFC Championship Game, a feat unimaginable just a few years prior. That same year, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite his numerous accolades—including six Pro Bowls and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995—Selmon never allowed the spotlight to distort his character. He retired in 1984 due to a back injury, but instead of seeking the limelight in broadcasting or coaching, he devoted himself to causes that uplifted his adopted community in Tampa, Florida. He became an administrator at the University of South Florida, helping to build its football program from the ground up. As athletic director, he championed integrity in college athletics and served as a mentor to countless young athletes. His advocacy for educational opportunities, especially for underserved communities, made him a local icon not just among sports fans, but among educators, civic leaders, and parents.

Selmon’s impact extended even further. He co-founded the Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurant chain, but instead of simply profiting off his name, he used it as a vehicle for charity work. He supported initiatives aimed at youth development, cancer research, and academic scholarships. In every endeavor, he prioritized people over profit and legacy over luxury. In Tampa, he wasn’t just a football hero; he was a civic beacon.

When Selmon passed away in 2011 from a stroke at the age of 56, tributes poured in from every corner of the sports world and beyond. Former teammates spoke of his selflessness. Opponents remembered his sportsmanship. Fans mourned not just the loss of a great athlete, but of a man who stood for something greater than the game. His number 63 was retired by the Buccaneers, and the University of Oklahoma erected a statue in his honor. A highway in Tampa now bears his name. Each tribute etched another line into a legacy already immortal, and yet, somehow still understated.

The TIME 100 recognition posthumously bestowed upon Selmon brings his story into the global spotlight it always deserved. It acknowledges that influence isn’t merely measured in stats or trophies, but in the lives changed and the hearts touched. It places him among other luminaries who used sport as a vehicle for progress—people like Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, and Roberto Clemente. In that esteemed company, Selmon’s name fits naturally, a testament to his authenticity and tireless pursuit of making the world a better place.

For the University of Oklahoma, this honor brings renewed pride and reflection. Selmon’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the program, from the statues that grace the campus to the standard of excellence he helped establish. Young Sooners are still taught about his perseverance, his loyalty to family, and his drive for academic and athletic achievement. In an age where college athletes are increasingly scrutinized for their decisions, Selmon’s example remains a gold standard.

This recognition also sends a message to the broader world of sports—that the most influential figures are not always the loudest or the most visible. Sometimes, the real game-changers are those who lead with quiet strength, who let their actions speak, and who find ways to serve long after their playing days are over. In that regard, Lee Roy Selmon was and remains a titan.

His influence is still felt in the corridors of the University of South Florida, where the football program he helped birth has become a source of pride for the school. It lives on in Tampa, where his name evokes reverence and respect. It endures in Oklahoma, where generations of fans still point to him as the embodiment of Sooner excellence. And now, with TIME 100’s acknowledgment, the rest of the world has an opportunity to discover—or rediscover—why Selmon’s life matters so deeply.

There’s an old saying that a true leader plants trees whose shade they’ll never sit under. Lee Roy Selmon did exactly that. He laid foundations and built institutions, he inspired future leaders, and he offered hope to the overlooked and underserved. He never demanded the spotlight, but it always found him—because substance eventually outshines spectacle.

TIME’s posthumous honor affirms what those who knew Selmon already believed: that his was a life of purpose, power, and quiet revolution. It reinforces that football is merely one chapter in a story defined by generosity, dignity, and moral strength. His induction into the pantheon of TIME 100 is not the conclusion of his legacy, but another step in its evolution—a chance for future generations to learn from a man who never stopped giving, never stopped leading, and never stopped believing in the possibility of something greater.

In an era where influence is often mistaken for visibility, and where fame can be fleeting, Selmon’s life is a reminder that the most powerful impact comes from authenticity, character, and unwavering dedication to others. He didn’t just wear the jersey—he represented everything it could mean. He didn’t just play the game—he elevated it. And he didn’t just live his life—he shaped it into a model for how sports can be a force for profound good.

As the sports world pauses to recognize his place among the greatest influencers in its history, the spirit of Lee Roy Selmon remains undimmed. His journey continues to inspire athletes, administrators, and citizens alike. And thanks to TIME 100’s acknowledgment, his message—that true greatness is rooted in service, humility, and love—now reaches farther than ever before.