NFL.com Name Derrick Brooks the Greatest Player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers History

Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers former linebacker

is introduced as an inductee for the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class at the 3rd NFL Honors at Radio Music City Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In its 35 plus year history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had some of the greatest players at their positions play for the team.

But who is the best player in team history?

According to Elliot Harrison of NFL.com the best player in Bucs franchise history is linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Here’s what he had to say about his selection, adding that he found the Bucs’ selection one of the most difficult choices to make.

“He could play in coverage. He could play the run. He could lead. Simply put, Brooks was a complete NFL linebacker, the prototype at the position. Hey, it’s not easy taking Brooks over Warren Sapp and John Lynch — that’s the triumvirate that delivered a Lombardi Trophy to Tampa Bay. The key for Brooks: This is the only team he ever played for, and he did so at a high level over 14 seasons. During that time, he made 11 Pro Bowls and tied former Cowboys great Chuck Howley for most pick-sixes by a linebacker (with six). Lee Roy Selmon was the franchise’s top player for a long time, but he can’t match Brooks’ hardware.”

It’s hard to argue against Brooks being the selection here. Over 14 seasons, and 224 games, Brooks made 1,698 combined tackles, had 13.5 sacks and had 25 interceptions. The former FSU Seminole standout never missed a game during his career.

As Harrison mentioned, Sapp, Lynch and Selmon would have been great choices too. You can even add Ronde Barber and Mike Alstott to that list.

But overall, you have to say Brooks is the right choice. He’ll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year and on Sept. 14 will be added to the Bucs’ Ring of Honor. His No.55 jersey will also be retired by the Buccaneers.