Growing up as a 90s kid, if there was a defensive player you enjoyed who did not play for you team, it was Warren Sapp. The University of Miami graduate never disappointed to be entertaining on and off of the field. His amazing feet and ability to use his hands to shed blockers made me a monster to stop on the field and his attitude and mouth made him a monster to stop off the field.
The consensus 1st team All American in 1994 was drafted number 12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to stabilize their defensive line and bring some excitement to an organization that was not known for success. Sapp never should have fallen to number 12 but reports of failed drug tests due to weed and cocaine made a few teams decide to pass on him, a decision they would probably change if they had the opportunity to now.
Sapp went on to be one of the greatest defensive tackles to every lace em up on Sundays as he recorded 96.5 sacks throughout a career in which offensive lines would scheme to make sure he did not beat them. The seven time pro bowler and four time All-Pro will always be more remembered for his stint in Tampa Bay with the Bucs but he ended his career with the Oakland Raiders in a slightly controversial manner. Sapp had reportedly signed with the Cincinnati Bengals only to back out of the agreement and sign with the Raiders.
Sapp was never short on excitement, personality or letting you know exactly how he thought things should and would happen. This did not always lead to positive things for Sapp as he was punished throughout his career multiple times for comments and actions. One such event was when he was ejected from a game in 2007 in one of the most outrageous connection of events in NFL history.
There was also the horrific blindside take out of Packers lineman that caused great issue with Warren Sapp from players and fans across the league, as well as with Mike Sherman.
All in all, Warren Sapp without a shadow of a doubt deserves to be wearing that gold jacket at the 2013 Induction Ceremony in Canton, Ohio. His play on the field can not be disputed as anything other than Hall of Famer.
Bill Parcells will be under the microscope tomorrow.
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