Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon dies

A statement released on behalf of his wife, Claybra Selmon, said he died at a Tampa hospital surrounded by family members.

Selmon was hospitalized Friday, and the Buccaneers confirmed later that he suffered a stroke.

Selmon and his brother Dewey were both chosen as All-Americans in 1975 when the Sooners won their second straight championship under Barry Switzer. They followed Elder brother Lucious to Oklahoma and the three played together during the 1973 season.

News of Lee Roy Selmon's stroke had already spurred tributes to Selmon on Saturday, when members of the University of South Florida's football team wore his number on their helmet. Selmon had served as the school's athletics director from 2001 to 2004.

“We all loved him and we're all deeply saddened,” USF President Judy Genshaft said. “We're a better university because of Lee Roy Selmon. He was an incredible role model, who cared about all of our student-athletes, no matter what sport. He built an incredible legacy and he will never be forgotten.”

Selmon followed his Hall of Fame college career with an equally impressive run in the NFL. He was the No. 1 pick in the 1976 draft — the first ever selection by then expansion Tampa Bay — and suffered through a winless inaugural season before achieving success. In 1979, he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award when he helped Tampa Bay make it to the NFC championship game. The Buccaneers also won the NFC Central title two years later.

Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. Presented by brother Dewey, Lee Roy said it was his family background that was noteworthy and not his accomplishments on the field.

“People have said, ‘Your parents must be proud of you,’ but I'm more proud of them,” he said.

Photo: Lee Roy Selmon