In a stirring display of unity and remembrance, the University of Oklahoma and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have come together to honor the life and legacy of a man who transcended the game of football. With profound respect and heartfelt reverence, both institutions have announced the official designation of “Lee Roy Selmon Day,” a celebration of the Hall of Fame defensive end who defined excellence, humility, and leadership both on and off the field. This recognition not only honors Selmon’s historic achievements in college and professional football, but also pays tribute to the profound impact he had on communities, teammates, and fans across generations.
From the dusty fields of Eufaula, Oklahoma, to the hallowed halls of Canton, Ohio, Lee Roy Selmon’s journey was the epitome of class and commitment. Born the youngest of nine children in a tight-knit, faith-filled family, Selmon’s quiet demeanor masked an unrelenting drive. At the University of Oklahoma, under the legendary Barry Switzer, Selmon quickly distinguished himself not only as a dominant force on the defensive line but also as a scholar and leader. He helped the Sooners win back-to-back national championships in 1974 and 1975, anchoring a defense that was as fierce as it was disciplined.
During his time in Norman, Selmon became the first Sooner to win the prestigious Lombardi Award, also earning the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. He was a unanimous All-American, a force who commanded double and triple teams, yet always played with a humble grace that left coaches and opponents in awe. His impact extended far beyond the field, as he became the first recipient of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award in Oklahoma history. For Selmon, greatness was never about personal glory—it was about team, purpose, and leaving a place better than you found it.
In 1976, the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Selmon their first-ever draft pick, selecting him No. 1 overall. It was a symbolic start to a new franchise, and Selmon wasted no time in becoming its foundation. Over the course of his nine-year career—all spent in Tampa Bay—Selmon redefined what it meant to be a franchise cornerstone. Despite the team’s early struggles, Selmon’s quiet leadership, elite play, and tireless work ethic became the heartbeat of the organization. He earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1979, the same season he led the Buccaneers to their first-ever playoff appearance.
But to understand Lee Roy Selmon is to understand far more than statistics or awards. His impact was felt in locker rooms, in front offices, and throughout entire communities. In Tampa, Selmon became an icon not just because of how he played, but because of how he lived. He was known for his kindness, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to serving others. After retiring from football due to a back injury, Selmon continued to give back in remarkable ways. He helped build the University of South Florida’s football program from the ground up, serving as athletic director and overseeing the Bulls’ transition to Division I-A. The football stadium where USF plays its home games—Raymond James Stadium—features the Lee Roy Selmon Athletics Center, a testament to his enduring influence.
He also became a successful businessman, restaurateur, and advocate for education and youth development in Florida. His popular Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurant chain brought his signature Southern hospitality to the community, while his board service and charity work reflected a tireless commitment to making a difference.
When Lee Roy Selmon passed away in 2011 at the age of 56, the loss was felt across the country. The outpouring of love from the football world and beyond spoke volumes. He was eulogized not just as a Hall of Famer, but as a Hall of Person—a man whose character and compassion matched, if not surpassed, his athletic greatness. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, but to those who knew him, those accolades were simply milestones on a much bigger journey.
Now, with the declaration of “Lee Roy Selmon Day,” both the Oklahoma Sooners and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have created a new milestone—one not just of remembrance, but of celebration. On this day, ceremonies will be held in Norman and Tampa to honor Selmon’s memory. Players, coaches, alumni, and fans will gather to share stories, reflect on his legacy, and rededicate themselves to the values he held so dear: excellence, humility, perseverance, and kindness.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables called the announcement “a moment of pride for the entire Sooner family,” noting, “Lee Roy’s spirit still guides this program. He’s the gold standard—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We tell our players all the time: if you want to know what it means to be a Sooner, look at Lee Roy Selmon.”
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles echoed those sentiments, saying, “Lee Roy was the kind of man you model a franchise around. He was our first pick, our first superstar, and our first Hall of Famer—but more importantly, he was a man of unmatched class. ‘Lee Roy Selmon Day’ isn’t just about remembering the past; it’s about inspiring the future.”
The celebration is expected to include the unveiling of new commemorative plaques at both Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and Raymond James Stadium, along with special video tributes and guest speakers including former teammates, coaches, and family members. Additionally, both programs will wear helmet decals featuring Selmon’s name and number during a game this fall, ensuring his presence is felt on the field once more.
Selmon’s family expressed deep gratitude for the honor, with his widow Claybra Selmon stating, “Lee Roy never sought the spotlight, but he always shone in it. He believed in lifting others, in leading with love, and in staying true to who you are. ‘Lee Roy Selmon Day’ means the world to us—not just because it honors his legacy, but because it reminds people of the values he stood for.”
In a sport often defined by big egos and loud personalities, Selmon stood out by staying grounded. He didn’t need to boast. His play spoke for itself. His actions off the field spoke even louder. Whether mentoring young athletes, fundraising for youth initiatives, or simply offering a kind word, he treated everyone with dignity and respect.
As the football world celebrates “Lee Roy Selmon Day,” it’s not just a celebration of a player—it’s a celebration of a life lived right. In classrooms, locker rooms, boardrooms, and neighborhoods, his story continues to inspire. Young athletes look up to him as a blueprint. Coaches reference him as a culture-setter. Communities remember him as a humble servant whose heart was even bigger than his impact on the game.
In Norman, the red dirt still carries echoes of Selmon’s footsteps. In Tampa, the breeze that rolls off the Gulf carries whispers of his influence. And now, on this day each year, those echoes will rise louder, those whispers will turn into cheers, and the legacy of Lee Roy Selmon will be celebrated the way it deserves to be: with reverence, with joy, and with gratitude.
Because legends don’t die. They live on—in the stories we tell, the values we uphold, and the lives they touched.
And on “Lee Roy Selmon Day,” the world is reminded that greatness is not just about what you do—it’s about who you are.