In a powerful and poignant gesture that bridges college football royalty and NFL legacy, the University of Oklahoma and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have jointly announced the official declaration of “Lee Roy Selmon Day.” This unprecedented collaboration marks a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s most revered figures, a man whose name is synonymous with excellence, humility, and enduring impact on and off the field. Lee Roy Selmon, the Hall of Fame defensive end who helped shape the identity of two proud football programs, is being celebrated not merely for his athletic feats, but for the integrity and grace with which he carried himself throughout his life. The recognition serves as a timeless reminder of the values he embodied—hard work, dignity, compassion, and quiet leadership—and of how sports can elevate individuals to transcend the game.
Selmon’s journey began in Eufaula, Oklahoma, where he grew up as the youngest of nine children in a family rooted in strong Christian values and an unbreakable work ethic. Though he was soft-spoken and gentle in demeanor, Selmon’s presence on the football field was anything but quiet. He first rose to prominence at the University of Oklahoma, where he played under legendary coach Barry Switzer. During his time as a Sooner, Selmon helped anchor one of the most dominant defensive units in college football history. A two-time All-American and winner of both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 1975, Selmon was widely regarded as the best defensive player in the nation and helped lead Oklahoma to back-to-back national championships in 1974 and 1975.
More than just an elite athlete, Selmon was the embodiment of what it meant to be a student-athlete. He earned a Master’s degree in public administration, showing that his ambition extended beyond the gridiron. Selmon’s intellect, humility, and dedication set him apart in an era where flashy personalities often garnered the spotlight. His focus was never on personal accolades, yet they came in abundance because of his relentless effort and selfless play. Teammates and coaches revered him as a gentle giant—a man of great faith, great talent, and even greater character. Switzer often referred to Selmon as “the greatest player I ever coached,” but just as importantly, he made clear that Selmon was “a better man than he was a player.”
When the NFL came calling, Selmon made history once again. He was the first overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft, chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a then-expansion franchise that was in desperate need of a cornerstone. What they got was far more than just a football player. Selmon became the soul of the Buccaneers organization, providing elite production on the field while laying the cultural foundation for a team that would eventually rise from perennial losers to NFC contenders. In only his fourth season, he helped Tampa Bay reach the NFC Championship Game, and his performance over the years earned him six Pro Bowl selections and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1979.
Selmon’s contributions were never limited to sacks or tackles. He was a leader in the locker room, a mentor to younger players, and a face of stability during turbulent times for the franchise. In 1995, Selmon became the first player inducted into the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor and remains the only Buccaneer in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, enshrined in 1995. His bronze bust in Canton stands as a testament to the impact he had on the game, but those who knew him understand that his true legacy lies in how he treated people.
It is this larger-than-life legacy that “Lee Roy Selmon Day” seeks to honor. In ceremonies that will span both Norman, Oklahoma, and Tampa Bay, Florida, the day will include tributes from former teammates, coaches, civic leaders, and fans. Video montages will replay his unforgettable moments on the field, but equal time will be dedicated to his work in the community. After retiring from football, Selmon remained deeply involved in both cities. In Oklahoma, he championed education initiatives and supported the university through alumni outreach and mentorship programs. In Tampa, he became a successful businessman, serving as a board member for numerous nonprofits and eventually becoming the athletic director for the University of South Florida, where he helped elevate the program into Division I prominence.
Selmon’s passing in 2011 at the age of 56 due to a stroke stunned the football world and left a void in both the Oklahoma and Tampa Bay communities. But in the years since, his name has only grown more revered. His number 63 was retired by the Buccaneers, and the University of Oklahoma built a statue in his honor outside Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where it stands as a symbol of what it means to be a Sooner. The naming of “Lee Roy Selmon Day” ensures that his memory will not fade with time but instead grow brighter with each new generation of players and fans who learn his story.
The announcement was met with emotional reactions from those closest to him. Barry Switzer, now in his 80s, spoke at the joint press conference, his voice cracking as he recalled the young man who never once raised his voice but whose intensity was unmistakable. “He made us better,” Switzer said. “Not just on Saturdays in the fall. Every single day. Lee Roy lived with purpose, and when he walked into a room, you felt it. You didn’t have to hear it—you just felt it.”
Former Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks, himself a Hall of Famer, credited Selmon with being a guiding light when he first entered the league. “He didn’t just talk about leadership—he showed you how to do it,” Brooks said. “He showed up every day and treated everyone, from the janitor to the owner, with respect. That’s who he was. Lee Roy didn’t care about the spotlight, but today, we give it to him because he deserves it more than anyone.”
The city of Tampa has gone a step further by announcing that a new community center being constructed near downtown will be named the Lee Roy Selmon Impact Center, dedicated to youth development, leadership training, and health and wellness initiatives. In Oklahoma, the state legislature passed a resolution making Selmon’s birthday, October 20, an official state-recognized observance day, with schools encouraged to include educational programming on his life and contributions.
Selmon’s widow, Claybra, and their children were in attendance during the official unveiling of “Lee Roy Selmon Day.” Holding back tears, Claybra described the moment as “a blessing and a responsibility.” “Lee Roy always said we’re here to serve others. That was his mission. If this day inspires even one young person to be kinder, to try harder, to live with integrity, then it’s doing exactly what he would’ve wanted.”
Indeed, Selmon’s legacy has continued to inspire countless individuals who never even saw him play. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the quiet strength that comes from knowing who you are and what you stand for. In an age where fame can be fleeting and character often overlooked, Selmon’s life serves as a blueprint for enduring greatness. He was a player who could dominate with his physical gifts, but who won people over with the content of his character.
That is why the unity between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in creating “Lee Roy Selmon Day” is so profound. It’s a rare collaboration that not only celebrates the common football lineage but highlights how Selmon’s influence crossed boundaries of state, sport, and generation. His name carries weight not just because of what he accomplished but because of how he accomplished it—with unshakable integrity, compassion, and dedication to something larger than himself.
The day will be more than a ceremonial event. Educational panels, leadership workshops, and youth football camps will be held annually in both Norman and Tampa Bay to continue Selmon’s mission of service and mentorship. Proceeds from commemorative merchandise and events will go to the Lee Roy Selmon Foundation, which funds scholarships, community development programs, and initiatives promoting health and education in underserved areas.
As fans wear his jersey and reflect on his highlight reels, perhaps the most lasting image will be that of Selmon shaking hands with fans, helping a child with homework at a local center, or quietly bowing his head in prayer before a game. These moments, though not captured in stats or sports headlines, are where his greatness truly lived. In honoring him with his own day, Oklahoma and Tampa Bay are ensuring that these moments, and the spirit behind them, are never forgotten.
Ultimately, Lee Roy Selmon Day is not just a celebration—it’s a challenge to everyone who loves football, who loves their community, and who wants to make a difference. It challenges us to live with purpose, to treat others with kindness, to strive for excellence without compromising our values, and to remember that true greatness is measured not by what you take, but by what you give. Lee Roy Selmon gave everything he had—to his teams, to his family, to his community—and in return, he receives a legacy that will outlast all others.
In the words engraved below his statue in Norman: “A Champion On and Off the Field.” Now, with “Lee Roy Selmon Day” etched into the calendars of fans, students, and citizens alike, his legacy will live on—reminding us all what it really means to be great.
