1977 Topps #29 Leroy Selmon ROOKIE PSA MINT 9

1977 Topps #29 Leroy Selmon PSA MINT 9 — Cornerstone of a New Franchise

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the league, they needed more than talent — they needed a foundation. Leroy Selmon became that foundation. A rare blend of power, quickness, and discipline off the edge, Selmon dominated opposing linemen while setting the tone for a young organization searching for identity. His excellence translated into multiple Pro Bowl selections, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eventual enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing him as one of the premier defensive ends of his era.

The 1977 Topps football set carries a clean late-’70s aesthetic, highlighted by strong team color bands and uncluttered photography that gives each card a confident, straightforward look. This issue can be surprisingly tricky in top condition, as edge wear and centering inconsistencies are common. This PSA 9 example shows outstanding preservation, featuring precise corners, smooth borders, rich color, and a crisp overall presentation that stands comfortably in the Mint tier.

More than just an early Selmon card, this piece represents the birth of a defensive identity for an expansion franchise that would soon become competitive. It captures a future Hall of Famer at the moment he began reshaping games — not with flash, but with relentless control at the line of scrimmage. A quietly powerful example from a pivotal era of NFL growth.