Not All About Football
June 4th, 2016
Bucs rookie undrafted RB has a compelling personal story.
OK, Joe is not into tear-jerker stories. Just about every player has a reason why he motivated to play that has nothing to do with football, such as overcoming a personal obstacle.
One of Joe’s favorite shows is ESPN GameDay. No matter how hungover Joe may be on a college football Saturday morning, Joe always tunes in. It is a shining example of the quality of content BSPN can produce when it puts forth the effort. That is, until the weekly Tom Rinaldi crytowel story comes on. Then it’s time for Joe to surf for 15 minutes or go nurse his pounding head.
But the following from Chris Fischer of WTSP-TV Channel 10 on Bucs undrafted rookie running back Peyton Barber is inspiring. And this is coming from Joe’s callous, cynical, cold heart.
Barber left Auburn early to chase his dream. As recent statistics show, coming out of school early to chase an NFL dream isn’t always smart. Barber, however, had every reason to do so. He wants to buy his mom a house.
Nothing out of the ordinary there. Most players do. But Barber’s situation is different. His mother is homeless. She bounces from house to house as relatives pitch in to offer a roof over her head, taking turns to provide shelter.
Also, Barber has a few personal medical obstacles himself
For those who enjoy practice squad players and underwear football, this player, as Fischer details, is a guy to root for.
June 4th, 2016 at 8:04 am
Pay Homage
“The Greatest of All Time’ Muhammad Ali”
Great Story Joe!
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
-Muhammad Ali
You Lived The Life of Champion Sir#RIPGOAT
June 4th, 2016 at 8:14 am
Right on LUV Ali was the greatest
June 4th, 2016 at 9:58 am
Luv
I’m all in my feelings today. Ali was so much more than an athlete he was an icon and a hero to many including myself. #RIP
June 4th, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Barber isn’t just some squad player… Watch his film, he can play. So this isn’t just a sentimental story. I want him on the team because he’s got a future. He compares very favorably to Mike James – similar size, probably a little quicker and faster, just lacks the experience. I could see us carrying 4 backs this year because this guy could be a real player for us down the road.
June 4th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
I know he has a compeling story and I’m cool with him supplanting M. James on roster becuz I think James has reached his ceiling. But is no one paying attention to the other running back we got as an undrafted FA? Russ Hansbrough might be smaller and has less of a story but dude is crazy fast and might be a return option. I’m excited about both young guys.
June 4th, 2016 at 7:07 pm
Ditto, David. Mike hasn’t been the same since he was hurt.