Bill Text: VA SJR418 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Jamael Orondé Barber.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2023-02-25 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ418ER) [SJR418 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-SJR418-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Jamael Orondé Barber, a native of Roanoke who went on to play in the National Football League with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 16 seasons, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023; and
WHEREAS, after excelling as a safety at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Jamael "Ronde" Barber joined the University of Virginia Cavaliers, recording 15 interceptions between 1994 and 1996 and earning all-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) first-team honors each season, as well as ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 1994; and
WHEREAS, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1997 National Football League (NFL) Draft, Ronde Barber would go on to spend his entire career with the team, retiring in 2012; and
WHEREAS, an integral part of the Tampa Bay defense throughout his career, Ronde Barber led the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII during the 2002–2003 season; and
WHEREAS, a three-time NFL All-Pro and five-time selection for the NFL Pro Bowl, Ronde Barber notched a franchise-record 47 interceptions, along with 28 sacks and 1,428 tackles, over his career; and
WHEREAS, with great versatility and knowledge of the game, Ronde Barber transformed the position of cornerback, notably becoming the only player in NFL history to record at least 45 interceptions and at least 25 sacks; and
WHEREAS, Ronde Barber's impact was also felt through the 14 non-offensive touchdowns he scored in his regular-season career, the fourth highest total in NFL history; and
WHEREAS, Ronde Barber showed impressive durability and longevity in his career, starting in 215 consecutive regular-season games and becoming the only NFL cornerback to have made at least 200 straight starts; and
WHEREAS, Ronde Barber's accomplishments are the results of his extraordinary dedication and hard work and serve as inspiration to countless young athletes in the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Jamael Orondé Barber for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jamael Orondé Barber as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements.
