04/19/24
September 03, 2011
Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon Suffers Stroke: Officials say former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, the first overall pick in the 1976 NFL draft and first pick in franchise history, has been hospitalized and remains in "extremely critical condition" after suffering a stroke. On Wednesday, Selmon said he was wrongly included in a lawsuit against the NFL and helmet manufacturers. The suit claims he suffers from "multiple past traumatic brain injuries with various symptoms, including, but not limited to, memory loss, headaches, and sleeplessness."
He wasn't the only bright spot back then. The 1979 team opened with five straight wins and reached the NFC Championship Game under quarterback Doug Williams and Ricky Bell at running back. I was crushed when they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.
Sadly, Selmon has died.
posted by rcade at 07:30 PM on September 04, 2011
RIP.
I think you have a couple of years on me, rcade. I don't remember '79.
posted by bperk at 10:50 AM on September 06, 2011
Selmon is also a very important part of USF's football team that had a big victory yesterday. Until coach Dungy came along, Selmon was the lone bright spot that the Bucs ever had. I hope he gets well soon.