Former Giant running back Tiki Barber is returning to the NFL as a player. Read more on Examiner.com.Barber announced Tuesday afternoon that he had signed reinstatement papers with the NFL and plans to return to the gridiron after four years absence. Barber hasn't rushed for a yard since 2006.
In case you are wondering the Giants still own Barber's contractual rights.
This is a stunning move. Barber will turn 36 next month, and he hasn't rushed in over four years. He left the Giants on very bad terms, ripping coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning, and once retired continued his criticism of Big Blue, even when the team won Super Bowl XLII.
As a result Barber became vilified by Giant fans everywhere. Whenever the running back returned to Giants Stadium he was rightfully booed by 78,000 fans. Even though the Giants own his rights, it is hard to believe that Big Blue will welcome him back. Chances are they will release him from his contract, and let him become a free agent.
Barber has gone through a lot of trouble the past few years. In addition to the trouble with the Giants, he had marriage problems, and his stint with NBC was a complete flop. Now he is trying to get back in.
It won't be easy for him. Taking four years off and returning to a brutal, physically demanding sport like football will not work for him. Maybe Barber is best suited heading to Tampa Bay to be with his brother Ronde; that's the only place that seems like a fit for him, even though the Bucs have the terrific LaGarrett Blunt as their starting running back. He will latch on with someone for training camp, but it is doubious that it will last very long.
Unlike LaDainian Tomlinson, who saw his productivity and play time diminish in San Diego in 2008 and 2009, at least he stuck it out and never retired, and in 2010 reaped the benefits in New York with the Jets. The same can't be said for Barber.
It's a publicity statement by Barber, who is desperate to turn his life around. This is the wrong move.
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