Leadership inside and outside the lines with Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber

February 26, 2026

Ronde is one of the most recognized professional athletes in Tampa Bay, having played 16 seasons for the Buccaneers in a Hall of Fame career that included a Super Bowl win. Ronde has remained active in the region’s sports and philanthropic communities since his 2012 retirement, and is general chairman of Copperhead Charities, which puts on the Valspar Championship PGA Tour event every March. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Ronde talked about how being doubted and overlooked fueled his career — even as he reached the pinnacle of his sport. They also talked about the coaches he learned the most from, including Mike Tomlin and Tony Dungy.

3 Takeaways

(09:10) You’re either getting worse or better, staying the same is impossible
(24:00) Leadership does not always come from the top
(24:30) Being in a position of power does not make you powerful, empowering others does

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Ronde Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer
(04:45) What is the Valspar Championship?
(07:40) Making the Valspar Championship bigger
(10:10) Learning from his mother
(15:40) Being doubted and overlooked
(20:50) Learning from legendary coaches
(22:55) Being coached by Jeff Hafley
(25:17) Updates to the experience of the Valspar Championship

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