ST. PETERSBURG – Rondé Barber has held some serious hardware during his 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a Super Bowl trophy, but on Aug. 25, the Pro Football Hall of Famer held the keys to homeownership. And he gave them to Ja’Myra Walker, a hardworking mother of four.
Barber serves as general chairman of Copperhead Charities, the charitable arm of the Valspar Championship. The organization sponsored the latest home built by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
The tournament has been a dedicated supporter of the Habitat affiliate for many years, and this home marked the 10th that the organization has partnered to sponsor. In recognition of the partnership, one of the home’s rooms has been painted with Valspar’s Color of the Year for 2026: Warm Eucalyptus.
“On behalf of Valspar and Sherwin-Williams, their parent company, this is something that we love to do. Not something that we have to do,” Barber said before handing over the keys to Ja’Myra.
For Ja’Myra, homeownership hasn’t been easy. She has been raising her children – Brooklyn (9), Brazill (2), and twins Brandon and Breon (1) – in a cramped two-bedroom apartment.
Ja’Myra has long dreamed of having a safe, stable home.
“When I found out I was accepted into the Habitat program, I was in a state of shock,” Ja’Myra said. “I am so thankful! This really is a start to something beautiful for me and my children.”
She is most excited for her children to finally have a safe place to play.
“I can’t wait to see my children have a backyard where they can play, build childhood memories, and feel safe and secure,” Ja’Myra said.
Valspar Tournament Director Tracy West said it was an honor to be part of Habitat.
“Habitat is, as we say, giving a hand up, not a hand out,” West said. “We are very honored to be a part of this community and take some of the proceeds from the Valspar Championship and help wonderful families like the Walker family.”
