In most cases, it is indeed better late than never. And, in the case of [Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Simeon Rice](https://thepewterplank.com/buccaneers-legend-returning-the-team-special-job), it could not be more true.
The Buccaneers have [finally decided to induct Rice](https://x.com/NFLSTROUD/status/1922986647513083992) into the team's Ring of Honor. Surprisingly enough, Rice is the first player the team is inducting into its Ring of Honor since 2019.
What's even more surprising is the fact that it took so long for this decision to be made. It's about time.
Simeon Rice's Ring of Honor induction should be followed by a Hall of Fame push
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After a 12-year career (11 of which were spent with Tampa Bay) Rice finally gets some of the respect he's long deserved.
We are talking about a pass rusher who finished with double-digit sacks in eight of his 11 seasons with the Buccaneers. That doesn't just happen overnight. That's a guy whose career should qualify beneath the "franchise icon" label.
You know what else doesn't happen overnight? 122.0 career sacks -- that's what.
It's about time Rice gets some Hall of Fame recognition, too. He called it a career way back in 2007. We are approaching darn-near 20 years, folks.
There are players with less sacks than Rice to make the Hall of Fame (Randy White and Charles Haley to name a few). So, what's been the holdup with Rice?
He was a star from the jump: Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 1996, three-time Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2002 and a pair of All-Pro Second-Team finishes as well.
He did all of this while sharing the spotlight with the likes of Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber, among others. He was part of some elite defenses, but still managed to shine on his own as well.
It's good to see Rice finally getting his flowers, but he needs a whole lot more, and soon.