[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1579-E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LEE ROY SELMON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a Tampa 
Bay sports and community legend: Lee Roy Selmon. Not only was he a 
fundamental figure in the sports arena, but he was also a man of 
exemplary character.
  Mr. Selmon began his extraordinary football career at the University 
of Oklahoma where he was cited as the best player in the university's 
history, helping the team win two National Championships. When he 
launched into his professional football career, not only was he chosen 
first in the 1976 draft, but he was also the first ever draft pick by 
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team had clearly chosen wisely. During 
his tenure with the Buccaneers, he was named the NFL Defensive Player 
of the Year, selected for the Pro Bowl six times consecutively, and 
helped them to two NFC Championship games. In 1995, he was inducted 
into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  Though his pro football career ended after the 1984 season, he was 
instrumental in the founding and development of the University of South 
Florida's football team. He began his work at USF as the associate 
athletic director in 1993 and the athletic director in 2001. I am 
honored to have a USF football helmet signed by Mr. Selmon displayed in 
my Congressional office. He guided the team from its inception, based 
out of a trailer on campus, to a fighting force in the Big East.

[[Page E1580]]

  Many of those who knew him well commented about his gentle demeanor, 
his modest nature, and his engaging smile. Not only was he a legend in 
his work, but he also left a lasting impression on the hearts of those 
he encountered.
  Though he was taken much too soon, his legacy both on and off the 
field will not be forgotten. Lee Roy Selmon's name will remain 
memorialized in the Tampa Bay Community, spanning the Lee Roy Selmon 
Crosstown Expressway and his restaurant chain, but more importantly we 
can find solace that the person behind the name will remain a guiding 
influence in the Tampa Bay community.

                          ____________________