Warren Sapp: The Making of a Champion Pt. 2

How did Warren Sapp's fierce play and leadership help transform the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into Super Bowl champions?

Warren Sapp joins the Hall of Fame's podcast for an energetic conversation covering his legendary NFL career. The Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion discusses his dominant days in Tampa Bay, key relationships that drove his success, and the pride he takes in bringing a championship to the Bucs.

Warren Sapp was a dominant defensive tackle in the NFL for 13 seasons, making the Pro Bowl an impressive seven consecutive years from 1997-2003 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His accomplishments cemented his legacy as one of the best interior defensive linemen in NFL history.

(00:00:9:00) Sapp on His Bond with Derrick Brooks and Playing for Tony Dungy

• Sapp formed an instant bond and brotherhood with fellow Bucs draft pick Derrick Brooks at age 17. They pushed each other for greatness per Coach Dungy's challenge.

• Dungy gave Sapp free rein to wreak havoc as long as he played like his University of Miami days.

• Sapp and Brooks embraced Dungy's vision to become defensive stars like Steelers greats Joe Greene and Jack Ham.

(9:00:15:00) Getting to Know Al Davis and Playing for the Raiders

• Sapp recalls his amusing early impressions of the legendary, fiery Al Davis. Their conversations and Davis's presence had a big impact.

• Sapp struggled to perform up to his standards for the struggling Raiders late in his career, intensifying his desire to retire.

• Davis traded for Sapp and treated him like a prized addition, making Sapp want to deliver for him.

(15:00:21:00) Sapp's Pregame Rituals and Passion for Soccer

• Chicken, pasta and Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite CD got Sapp hype for game day. Phil Collins sent him out of the tunnel.

• Seeing his daughter emerge as a soccer star and getting into the sport gave Sapp immense pride.

• Sapp became a passionate soccer fan attending his daughter's college games and beyond.

(21:00: 27:00) Sapp's All-Time Greats and Issues with Today's NFL

• Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders and Reggie White are Sapp's dictionary examples of greatness.

• Sapp sees the modern game as too soft, from training camp practices to penalties. Communication makes defenses smart.

• Sapp scoffs at claims today's players are greater when their gloves aid one-handed catches he never could make.

(27:00: 35:00): Sapp Cherishes His Super Bowl Championship the Most

• Despite all his accolades, bringing Tampa its first Super Bowl title meant the world. The team was forged in the mud.

• Sapp takes his ring over any individual honor. It cemented his legend and the team's transformation.

• The championship validated Sapp and Brooks as the cornerstones who lifted the woeful Bucs to glory.

Key Quotes:

"We were legend that day. I mean, we were ready, we were ready for the world and we did it in six days." - Warren Sapp

"If you're telling me you only get one, I get my, I want my championship. I think my championship makes me that first ballot hall of famer." - Warren Sapp

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