PRO FOOTBALL'S ULTIMATE FAN ASSOCIATION

RING OF HONOR MEMBER

AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY

Russell Barner (Sign Man) was a member of the inaugural Class of 1999 of our organization, was honored by the "Visa Hall of Fans" as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ultimate Fan in January 1999, and was inducted into the Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association "Ring of Honor" in 2009.

"I loved the Buccaneers from the instant Tampa was awarded the franchise.  I was one of the first fans standing at the fence throwing my money over for season tickets.  0-26 became a distant memory when we came within one game of going to the Super Bowl just a few years later, going from worst-to-first in our division."

"That year it was amazing when the [Iranian held] hostages were asked what they wanted to know about America they asked, 'How are the Bucs doing?'  Football brings people together as we forget about our problems and become the 12th man.  Being a fan is a privilege not a right.  Everyone should have a team but for me and my house, we will forever be Buccaneers."

Russ choose to encourage his team with hand written/painted signs as they loaded and unloaded the buses in the 1980's and 1990's.  Even in the wee hours of the morning when the team would arrive, Russ and his signs would be there.  Due to this dedication, it was the team (specifically Lovie Smith, then Linebackers Coach) that gave Russ his nickname.  Lovie asked someone at the airport, "How's Signman?"  Many times, the defensive bus would not pull out of the parking lot until Russ's signs were read by the team.

Russ was very active in our organization and was one of the men that helped turn the 'Hall of Fans' into Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association.  He attended every reunion he could, and he also helped with the logo design as the organization was just getting started.  Russ was one of the 'main players' in the early days.  He held a lot of influence and did his best to help steer us in the right direction.  He never severed officially in office, but he greatly affect the group none-the-less.

Russ passed away on June 19, 2009, and our president at that time attended his services.