Honoring Lee Roy Selmon: Tampa Bay Icon and Community Champion on His Birthday

Lee Roy Selmon, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first-ever draft pick in 1976, left an enduring legacy both on and off the field. His remarkable football career and unwavering dedication to the community solidified his place as a Tampa Bay icon. Even after his passing, his influence continues to inspire.

More than just a legendary athlete, Selmon was a champion for education and mentorship. The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, named in his honor, stands as a testament to his commitment to serving Tampa Bay. In partnership with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), Selmon’s vision for creating educational opportunities lives on through the Selmon STEM Scholarship Program. This initiative paves the way for young minds to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through this program, THEA:

Awards scholarships to four deserving USF students annually
Sponsors a bridge-building competition, enriching middle and high school students with STEM activities beyond the classroom
Provides paid internships for USF Engineering students, giving them hands-on experience in the transportation industry
Selmon’s legacy is also honored through a bronze statue near USF’s medical school along the Selmon Greenway, a symbol of his lasting impact on the city.

As THEA CEO Greg Slater reflects, “Lee Roy Selmon is an icon of the community – a leader with an unpretentious personality who exuded warmth and respect for everyone he met. Our hope is that each of us can continue to learn from his example and be inspired to make our community a better place.”

Lee Roy Selmon’s journey showcases his dedication to both athletics and education:

1954: Born in Eufaula, Oklahoma, as the youngest of nine children.
1971: Attends the University of Oklahoma on an athletic scholarship.
1974: Named a 3-time All-American, helping O.U. win back-to-back National Championships.
1975: Graduates with a degree in Special Education.
1976: Drafted #1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1979: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, helping the Bucs secure their first winning season.
1986: Retires from professional football with the Bucs retiring his #63 jersey.
1995: Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
2008: THEA renames the Crosstown to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in his honor.
2019: A bronze statue of Selmon is dedicated on the Selmon Greenway.
Today, THEA continues to honor his legacy through the Selmon STEM Scholarship Program, ensuring that his commitment to education and the community remains a guiding force for future generations.