A blowout preventer (BOP) seal and method are provided. The seal includes a tubular body comprising a plurality of segments that form a continuous loop. The tubular body has a plurality of inner projections extending from opposite sides of a first end thereof and a plurality of outer projections extending from opposite sides of a second end thereof. Each of the plurality of projections tapers away from the tubular body. A cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the plurality of segments is varied whereby the plurality of segments are selectively reinforced.