BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Unite to Honor Football Icon with Official “Lee Roy Selmon Day”
In an unprecedented move that unites college football tradition with NFL legacy, the University of Oklahoma and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have come together to officially declare a new commemorative occasion: “Lee Roy Selmon Day.” The celebration, announced Sunday morning, will take place annually on September 22, honoring the legendary defensive end’s profound impact on both programs—and the broader football community.
The joint announcement was made in a ceremony held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with representatives from the Selmon family, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance. The event featured a stirring tribute video, speeches from former teammates and coaches, and the unveiling of the “Lee Roy Selmon Day” proclamation signed by both the Oklahoma state legislature and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
A Bridge Between Two Football Worlds
Lee Roy Selmon is a name synonymous with excellence, humility, and leadership. A dominant force at Oklahoma during the early 1970s, Selmon led the Sooners to back-to-back national championships in 1974 and 1975. He was a unanimous All-American and won the prestigious Outland and Lombardi trophies in 1975. That same year, he became the No. 1 overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft, selected by the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Tampa, Selmon quickly became the face of a struggling franchise, transforming it into a playoff contender and earning six Pro Bowl selections in just nine seasons. He retired in 1984 as the most respected player in Buccaneers history, ultimately becoming the first Tampa Bay player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
“A Legacy Larger Than Football”
“For both Oklahoma and Tampa, Lee Roy Selmon wasn’t just a football player—he was a pillar of the community,” said Brent Venables during the ceremony. “His work ethic, his kindness, his humility—these are things we talk about every day in our locker room. Our players still learn from his example.”
Venables also announced that beginning this fall, every Oklahoma football player will wear a commemorative patch on their jersey during the September 21 game against Auburn to honor Selmon’s legacy. In Norman, the school is also launching the Lee Roy Selmon Leadership Academy, aimed at mentoring student-athletes in character development and civic leadership.
Tampa Bay is following suit. In addition to honoring Selmon before their September 22 home game against the Carolina Panthers, the Buccaneers announced a $1 million donation to the Lee Roy Selmon Foundation, which supports underserved youth through education and community engagement. The team will also wear custom “Selmon 63” helmet decals during the game.
Remembering the Man Behind the Legend
Selmon passed away in 2011 at the age of 56, following a stroke. His death sent shockwaves through both the Oklahoma and Tampa Bay communities. But his legacy has only grown since then.
“Lee Roy was grace in motion,” said former Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy in a pre-recorded video played during the event. “He played the game with ferocity, but he lived with compassion. You couldn’t ask for a better role model.”
Selmon’s brother, Dewey Selmon—himself a former Sooner and NFL player—spoke on behalf of the family.
“My brother always believed in lifting others up,” Dewey said. “To see the two places he loved most come together like this… it’s overwhelming. Lee Roy would’ve been honored, but more importantly, he’d be asking how this can help others.”
A Full Weekend of Tributes
“Lee Roy Selmon Day” will not be a single moment but a weekend-long celebration. Beginning Friday, the University of Oklahoma will host a tribute gala and scholarship fundraiser in Selmon’s name, featuring appearances from Barry Switzer, Billy Sims, and other Sooners legends. Saturday will include a halftime tribute during the Sooners’ home game, and Sunday will culminate in Tampa with an on-field halftime ceremony at the Buccaneers game, complete with a 63-second moment of silence.
The NFL and NCAA have both expressed interest in exploring ways to expand the celebration nationally in the coming years, possibly including educational programming and youth football events centered around the values Selmon embodied.
An Enduring Example
Beyond his playing days, Selmon remained deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community. He helped launch the University of South Florida’s football program in the 1990s and served as USF’s athletic director, leaving a lasting mark on Florida’s collegiate sports landscape. A devout Christian, businessman, and philanthropist, Selmon’s restaurant chain—Lee Roy Selmon’s—became a local staple, known as much for its community outreach as its food.
“Selmon lived by a code: excellence without ego,” said Tampa Bay mayor Jane Castor. “Today, we don’t just remember him. We recommit ourselves to that same standard.”
Impact on Future Generations
Already, the response from the football world has been resounding. Current Sooners players took to social media to express pride in wearing Selmon’s patch this fall. Buccaneers stars like Mike Evans and Lavonte David have committed to appearing in youth mentorship events tied to the day.
“To be part of something bigger than the game—that’s what Lee Roy stood for,” said Evans. “It’s an honor to carry that legacy forward.”
In a time where the football world is increasingly focused on character and social impact, “Lee Roy Selmon Day” stands as a model of what sports can do at their best: inspire, unify, and uplift.
Looking Ahead
The joint commitment between Oklahoma and Tampa Bay is not a one-off gesture but the start of a long-term partnership. Plans are in motion to launch the Selmon Scholar-Athlete Awards, with recipients from both Oklahoma and Florida high schools recognized annually for their achievements on the field and in the community.
“It’s rare that one man can leave such a powerful mark on two very different places,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione. “But Lee Roy wasn’t an ordinary man. He was a beacon. And now, his light shines brighter than ever.”
As both a celebration and a call to action, “Lee Roy Selmon Day” promises to keep the legacy of a football giant alive—not just through stories of tackles and trophies, but through ongoing efforts to shape
better people, better communities, and a better future.