Former Bucs TE Ron Hall Dies Former Tampa Bay tight end Ron Hall, a six-year starter who ended his NFL career in 1995 with Detroit, died Saturday at his home in Costa Rica, the Buccaneers have confirmed. He was 43. Details of Hall’s death are sketchy, but his mother told the Bucs he died of natural causes. Hall was a fourth-round draft choice out of Hawaii in 1987 and earned a starting job in his second pro season under Coach Ray Perkins, catching 39 passes in 1988. He retained his starting job for five more seasons before joining the Lions in 1994. “That’s hard to hear,’’ said ex-Bucs linebacker Scot Brantley, who was Hall’s teammate in 1987. “Ron worked hard and he played hard. He’s one of the strongest guys I’ve ever been around. He was a tremendous athlete who had a thirst for adventure. He loved the outdoors and we used to fish in tournaments all the time. Ron lived in Islamorada at one point and I know he enjoyed the fishing aspect in Costa Rica. The last time I saw him, about two years ago, he looked good.’’ Hall retired following the 1995 season with 230 catches for 2,609 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 1990, he was honored with the Ed Block Courage Award given to one player on each NFL team who best exemplifies professionalism, dedication and performance as a community role model. “Ron Hall was an easygoing guy who was very well liked by his teammates,’’ said former Bucs general manager Rich McKay. “He was a very good, very productive football player who unfortunately was hurt by some injuries late in his career.’’ Ira Kaufman The Tampa Tribune 24 May 2007