One of the brightest stars in the NFL, Ronde Barber is considered to be among the most visible and versatile players in professional football. A cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has etched his name in the Buccaneers’ record books with his exceptional playmaking ability. A Super Bowl veteran, his athleticism, sportsmanship and integrity are unparalleled.
Born premature and suffering from febrile seizures as a toddler, Ronde was told he could never play contact sports. But he used the fierce determination passed on to him by his mother, a breast cancer survivor and single parent, to shine both academically and athletically. He excelled at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce while becoming a star of the university’s football team.
Featured in People, GQ and Sports Illustrated, and appearing on national television shows, radio programs and commercials, Ronde continues to be one of the freshest faces in pro football. He now brings his enthusiasm and charisma to the podium to discuss the importance of leadership, strong values and teamwork in achieving goals.
At the University of Virginia, Ronde was named ACC Rookie of the Year following an exceptional eight-interception season. He was drafted in the third round by the Buccaneers in 1997. One of only two cornerbacks in the league selected to the All-Pro team in 2001, Ronde was also named the NFL Alumni Defensive Back of the Year the same season. He and the Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 season.
People magazine named Ronde one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in its annual list. A champion of youth education and literacy, he is a mentor and role model to young people everywhere. He, together with his twin brother Tiki, is writing a children’s book entitled By My Brother’s Side, to be published by Simon & Schuster.
