Dean Michaels

Longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive stalwart Ronde Barber, 38, has announced his retirement.

He acknowledged that he'd have mixed emotions if they won a Super Bowl the year after he retired.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Barber finished his career with 47 interceptions, 205 passes defensed, 1,234 tackles, 28 sacks and 16 forced fumbles in 241 career games.

He is the franchise leader in interceptions and defensive touchdown returns (eight).

Barber's 92-yard interception clinched the Buccaneers' 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2003 NFC Championship Game. They went on to beat the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.

He has played in 240 consecutive regular-season games, tied with Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher for the longest active streak. Last season, he moved to free safety after playing his entire career at cornerback.

"I've had a better run than I ever could've dreamed of having," Barber told FoxSports.com.

Barber had said he was retiring because realized he would no longer want to put in the work needed during the offseason, and felt it was time to venture into a broadcasting career.

He confirmed plans to work in television during his retirement press conference, but wouldn't say which network he plans to work for.

His twin brother, former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, became a broadcaster with NBC after retiring from football.

 

Ronde Barber Retires After 16-year NFL Career, Eyes TV Job - NFL 2013