Former Buccaneer Super Bowl Champions Nominated for Pro Football Hall Of Fame

After a long wait, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame this year. He joined several teammates from the 2002 Super Bowl winning squad in linebacker Derrick Brooks, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and safety John Lynch. Now the opportunity has come for two of his other former teammates to join the NFL's most prestigious honor with the announcement of the class of 2024 nominees.

Fullback Mike Alstott and defensive end Simeon Rice are both part of the 173 modern-era nominees up for enshrinement. The three-time Pro Bowler, notched 122 sacks in his 12-year career. He recorded 10 or more sacks in a season eight times and is 21st on the all-time sack leaders list. He played with the Bucs from 2001-2006 and was a pivotal part of their Super Bowl winning season.

Alstott, or the A-Train as he was belovedly nick-named by fans, spent his entire 11-year career with the Buccaneers. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and ranks second in rushing yards and touchdowns for the team. Alstott was one of the most dominant players of his era but is hampered by playing the fullback position which hasn't gotten much love from the Hall of Fame. 

Joining him on the ballot is the other half of the 'Thunder and Lightning' backfield running back Warrick Dunn. He spent five seasons with the team, winning the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award and making two Pro Bowls. Dunn has the third most rushing yards and fifth most receptions in Buccaneers history. 

Other Buccaneers players up for enshrinement are linebacker Hardy Nickerson who played for the team from 1993-99. He is often credited for the turnaround in culture for the team and made five Pro Bowls and is fourth all-time in tackles for the franchise.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia, running backs Thomas Jones and Charlie Garner, fullback Lorenzo Neal, offensive lineman Lomas Brown and Logan Mankins, and punter Sean Landeta were also named as nominees.

Who do you think should be the next Buccaneer to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame? Tell us in the comments below!

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.