Ronde Barber to Make 200th Straight Start
MAXX Sports is happy to congratulate Ronde Barber on making his 200th consecutive start this Sunday.
TAMPA — Ronde Barber will play his first regular-season game at safety for the Buccaneers on Sunday. But that's not what will make the day special.
Entering his 16th season, Barber will make his 200th straight start, extending his record among active defensive backs.
"That's a lot of starts," Barber said Wednesday. "To me, it's another start; I've been fortunate to be able to do this for a long time. I've got an organization that's believed in me for 14 years, or however many years that streak goes over. So it's a little bit of an honor but I'm preparing for it like any other week.
"Some people would say luck's involved; I think your answer would be luck might be a part of it but other factors, too. I've been fortunate not to be hurt, certainly. But I don't believe in luck. I'm a guy who takes care of the things I need to take care of and prepare myself every week."
The Bucs are commemorating the occasion with free parking and half-price concessions (excluding alcohol) and a Barber gym bag for every fan. Barber says he's just excited for another opening day in the NFL.
"Absolutely. There will be a lot more fanfare surrounding me of course (with) Ronde Barber Day," Barber said. "So it'll be something special. I've gotten more requests than I've ever had for any game, but that's just part of it. Like I said, it's nice to be recognized for an achievement."