Ronde Barber facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ronde Barber

Barber with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012
No. 20
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1975-04-07) April 7, 1975 (age 50) Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	184 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:	Cave Spring (Roanoke)
College:	Virginia (1993–1996)
NFL Draft:	1997 / Round: 3 / Pick: 66
Career history
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XXXVII) 3× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2004, 2005) 2× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2006) 5× Pro Bowl (2001, 2004–2006, 2008) NFL interceptions co-leader (2001) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor 2× Third-team All-American (1994, 1996) ACC Rookie of the Year (1994) 3× First-team All-ACC (1994–1996) Virginia Cavaliers Jersey No. 19 retired NFL record Most consecutive starts by a defensive back: 215 Most career sacks by a cornerback: 28
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 1,251 Sacks: 28.0 Forced fumbles: 15 Fumble recoveries: 12 Passes defended: 197 Interceptions: 47 Total touchdowns: 14
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Jamael Orondé Barber (born April 7, 1975) is a famous American football player who is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played his entire 16-year career as a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). He is known for his incredible skill and for playing in more games than almost any other defensive back in history.

Barber was chosen by the Buccaneers in the 1997 NFL draft. During his career, he was selected for five Pro Bowls, which is an all-star game for the best players. He also led the league in interceptions in 2001 and holds the Buccaneers' team record for the most interceptions ever.

He is one of only two players in NFL history to be in the "40/20 club," with over 40 interceptions and 20 sacks. He is the only player ever with more than 45 interceptions and 25 sacks. Barber also holds the record for starting the most games in a row for a defensive back. His amazing career led to him being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Early Life and High School

Ronde Barber and his identical twin brother, Tiki Barber, were born in Roanoke, Virginia. Ronde was born just seven minutes before Tiki. Their father, James Barber, was also a talented football player. However, their parents separated when they were young. Their mother, Geraldine, worked very hard at two or three jobs to support her sons.

At Cave Spring High School, Ronde was a star athlete. He was excellent in football, wrestling, and track. In track, he was so fast that he won a national title in the 55-meter hurdles during his senior year.

College Football Career

Barber attended the University of Virginia on an athletic scholarship, where he played for the Virginia Cavaliers football team. He was a defensive back and also returned kicks. In his first year of playing, 1994, he was named the Freshman of the Year in his conference.

He was a top player for all three seasons he played at Virginia. He helped his team win two major bowl games: the 1994 Independence Bowl and the 1995 Peach Bowl. After his junior year, he decided to enter the 1997 NFL draft. He graduated in 1997 with a degree in commerce.

Professional NFL Career

Joining the Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ronde Barber in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft. His twin brother, Tiki, was also drafted that year by the New York Giants. Ronde signed his first professional contract with the Buccaneers in July 1997.

As a rookie, Barber played in only one game. But by his second season in 1998, he became a regular starter. He quickly showed his talent with 68 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions that year. He continued to improve each year, becoming a key player on the Buccaneers' defense.

Super Bowl Champion and Star Player

Barber was chosen for the Pro Bowl five times in his career.

In 2001, Barber had an amazing season. He led the entire NFL with 10 interceptions and was chosen for his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team, which honor the best players in the league.

The next year, in 2002, Barber was part of one of the best defenses in NFL history. The Buccaneers' defense was ranked number one, and they went all the way to Super Bowl XXXVII. In the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Barber made one of the most famous plays in team history. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 92 yards for a touchdown, securing the win. The Buccaneers then went on to win the Super Bowl, defeating the Oakland Raiders 48–21.

Breaking Records

Barber (number 20) on the bench during a 2006 game.

For the rest of his career, Barber continued to be a star. He was known for being tough and almost never missing a game. From 1999 to 2012, he started 215 games in a row, a record for a defensive back.

In 2005, he became the first cornerback in NFL history to have at least 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career. He later became the only player to reach 45 interceptions and 25 sacks. These stats show how he was great at both covering receivers and rushing the quarterback.

In his later years, Barber even switched positions to free safety, showing how versatile he was. He played his final season in 2012 and was the last remaining player from the Super Bowl-winning team.

Retirement

Barber announced his retirement from football on May 8, 2013. He left the game as one of the greatest defensive players of his time. At his retirement, he was the active NFL leader in touchdowns scored by a defensive player, with 14.

Career After Football

Barber giving his speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

After retiring, Barber became a TV analyst for NFL on Fox. He worked as a commentator for NFL games, sharing his knowledge with viewers.

He and his brother Tiki have also written several children's books together, including By My Brother's Side and Game Day.

Personal Life

Ronde Barber is the identical twin brother of Tiki Barber, who was a star running back for the New York Giants.

Ronde is married to Claudia Patron, and they have two daughters. He continues to be involved in his community and inspires young athletes. In May 2025, he was the commencement speaker at Florida Southern College and received an honorary doctorate degree.

Career Statistics and Records

NFL Records

• Most consecutive starts by a defensive back: 215 (1999–2012)
• Most consecutive starts by a cornerback: 200 (1999–2012)
• Only player in NFL history with 45+ interceptions and 25+ sacks

Buccaneers Franchise Records

• Most interceptions in a career: 47
• Most interceptions in a single season: 10 (in 2001)
• Most non-offensive touchdowns in a career: 14
• Most games played in a career: 241
• Most games started in a career: 232
• Most sacks by a defensive back in a career: 28

Regular season

Postseason