For Black History Month, we honor Lee Roy Selmon, a man whose impact reached far beyond football fields and stat sheets. Selmon was not only one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, but also a quiet leader, mentor, and trailblazer whose legacy continues to shape Oklahoma and the sport he loved.
Born in 1954 in Eufaula, Oklahoma, Selmon grew up in a close-knit family that emphasized faith, education, and character. Alongside his brothers, Dewey and Lucious, he starred at the University of Oklahoma, becoming a cornerstone of the Sooners’ defense under legendary coach Barry Switzer. During his college career, Selmon earned All-American honors and was known as much for his discipline and leadership as for his power on the field.
In 1976, Selmon made history as the first-ever draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the time, the expansion franchise struggled, but Selmon quickly became its foundation. Over nine seasons, he transformed the Buccaneers into a competitive team and established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defensive linemen. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time All Pro, and the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In 1995, Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet those who knew Selmon best often say his greatest achievements came after football. Returning to Oklahoma, he devoted himself to community service, business leadership, and mentoring young people. He served as an athletic director, businessman, and respected voice for integrity and service. Selmon believed success carried responsibility—and he lived that belief daily.
Selmon passed away in 2011, but his influence remains deeply felt. The University of Oklahoma honors him with the Lee Roy Selmon Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player. In Tampa, his name is synonymous with the franchise’s identity, and in Oklahoma, he is remembered as a hometown hero who never forgot where he came from.
During Black History Month, Lee Roy Selmon’s story stands as a powerful reminder that true greatness is measured not only by records and trophies, but by character, service, and the lives uplifted along the way.
