Celebrating Lee Roy Selmon: A Legacy That Moves Tampa Bay
Honoring the life and legacy of a Tampa Bay legend
On Lee Roy Selmon’s birthday, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) celebrates the life of a man whose impact on Tampa Bay reached far beyond the football field.
The Original Buccaneer
After a standout career at the University of Oklahoma, Selmon became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first-ever draft selection in 1976. During his nine-season NFL career, he earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections, recorded 78.5 career sacks and helped lead the Buccaneers to their first NFC Central Division championship in 1979.
In 1995, Selmon became the first Buccaneer inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A Legacy Beyond Football
Selmon’s commitment to Tampa Bay continued long after his playing career. He served as Associate Athletic Director and later Athletic Director at the University of South Florida, helping establish the university’s football program. He was also recognized for his dedication to humanitarian and community service.
His legacy lives on today through the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, an important part of Tampa Bay’s transportation network that connects communities, businesses and destinations across the region.
For THEA, carrying Selmon’s name is about honoring more than a football legend. It is about celebrating a leader who embodied perseverance, service and a commitment to making his community stronger.
Though Selmon passed away in 2011 at age 56, his impact continues to be felt throughout Tampa Bay.
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