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Sapp Celebrates 13-Year NFL Career

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By IRA KAUFMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 30, 2008

TAMPA - TAMPA - He came to say goodbye. He had them at hello.

Warren Sapp, who made his reputation hunting down NFL quarterbacks, charmed an intimate gathering of friends, former teammates and coaches Saturday night after arriving fashionably late at a retirement party to celebrate his glittering 13-year career.

Sapp, 35, announced his retirement in January after nine seasons as a Buccaneer topped by a Super Bowl victory and four frustrating years in Oakland.

"If Warren Sapp doesn't go into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, you'd better check the IQ of the voters," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who attended the party at the Seminole Hard Rock and Casino with his wife, Cindy. "No disrespect to anyone, but he's the favorite guy I've ever coached."

A small group of fans who paid $75 per ticket also turned out to nibble on an assortment of appetizers and step up to the sushi bar, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Children's Cancer Center.

After Sapp arrived two hours into the event, a video montage displayed highlights of his 96.5 career sacks and the relentless drive that helped him become the most disruptive defensive tackle of his era.

Sapp appeared surprised when he was presented with a shiny, new guitar from the Hard Rock. Any thoughts he had about plugging in were quickly dashed as Sapp nodded to the DJ and made a few brief remarks to an appreciative crowd.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out here tonight," Sapp said. "It all started in Tampa and I thought the right thing to do would be to come back here."

When the music resumed and the dance floor became crowded, Sapp worked the room, greeting former Buc teammates like Warrick Dunn and Shelton Quarles.

"By far, Warren Sapp was one of the most dynamic competitors I've ever been around," said Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who shared a laugh Saturday with his father, Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "His football intelligence is off the charts."

According to Lane Kiffin, Sapp's pregame preparation was so thorough, he wanted to know the Wonderlic intelligence test score of the opposing center Oakland would face.

"Warren kept things loose in Tampa, but he also raised the level for all of us," Quarles said. "The guy's an unbelievable athlete. We've all seen him play football, but I've seen Warren dunk a basketball and even throw a knuckleball."

Sapp's career plans are uncertain, but Quarles said No. 99 would be a natural as a television analyst.

Sapp's longtime agent Drew Rosenhaus was taking in the scene as his famous client made the rounds.

"As much as any player I've been involved with, Warren has helped my career," Rosenhaus said. "He's not only a great player, but he's fiercely loyal. He hired me when I was a young, unproven agent and he's been an inspiration to his teammates through the years. I'm going to miss watching Warren Sapp play the game."

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