Warren Sapp celebrating a big play while playing with Tampa Bay

Warren Sapp (born December 19, 1972 in Orlando, Florida) is a professional football player for the NFL's Oakland Raiders. Sapp is known for his intense and aggressive defensive play, his swift and powerful tackling, and (when periodically substituted on offense) his ability to cast aside multiple defenders with ease.

After playing college football at the University of Miami, where he was a defensive standout, Sapp was drafted into the NFL by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 1995 draft (12th pick overall). Some felt Sapp would be drafted even higher, but his draft standing was damaged following allegations, just prior to the 1995 draft, that he had tested positive for marijuana on one or more occasions while at the University of Miami.

Upon joining Tampa Bay, however, Sapp was almost immediately given the starting job at the position of right defensive tackle and finished his rookie season with 27 tackles and one interception.

Sapp continued to be a prolific, intimidating tackler for the Buccaneers, tallying 51 tackles and nine sacks in 1996 and 58 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 1997. In 1997, Sapp was named to his first Pro Bowl. He has appeared in six consecutive Pro Bowls since.

In 2002, Sapp helped lead a resurgent Tampa Bay team to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders. Sapp picked up a total of five tackles and two sacks through the 2002 postseason.

During the 2002 season, Sapp drew wide criticism for leveling the Green Bay Packers' Chad Clifton, far away from the play, during a routine interception. The hit sent Clifton to the hospital with a serious pelvic injury and ended Clifton's season. Following the game, Sapp and Packers coach Mike Sherman exchanged heated words, with Sapp telling Sherman to "put on a jersey."

Following the 2003 season, discussions between the Buccaneers and the now free agent Sapp never came to fruition and Sapp began to look at the possibility of leaving the Buccaneers.

In 2004, it was reported that Sapp was interested in accepting a contract offer from the Cincinnati Bengals for four years worth US $16 million. However, on March 20, he announced that he had agreed to terms on a 7-year, $36.6 million contract with the Raiders.

External links

• Warren Sapp's official web site
• University of Miami: Famous Alumni