Tiki Barber dazzled in the NFL as a key weapon for quarterback Eli Manning with the New York Giants. However, he also built a career beyond the stadiums, exploring various fields including journalism and acting, showcasing his versatility and passion for the performing arts.
Barber played as a running back and spent his entire professional NFL career with the Giants, from 1997 until his retirement in 2006. Known for his speed, versatility, and receiving ability, Barber amassed over 10,000 rushing yards and more than 5,000 receiving yards, becoming one of the most productive running backs of his era.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and remained a key piece in the Giants’ offense for a decade. Over the years, the New York franchise grew in strength and eventually won the Super Bowl in 2008, but shortly before that, Barber surprisingly retired at the peak of his career.
The surprising turn in Barber’s life
Although Barber never won a Super Bowl, he earned the reputation of a Giants legend. However, his relationship with Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin was tense, which, among other reasons, led him to make the striking decision to retire near the age of 30.
His life led him to pursue other passions related to media exposure. Barber quickly made the jump to television, working as a sports analyst and correspondent for NBC, appearing on shows like “The Today Show” and “Football Night in America.”
Barber’s arrival on Broadway
His career in entertainment continued until, in 2019, an unforgettable opportunity led him to leave the field and step onto the stage. That year, he surprised many by making his Broadway debut, starring as Don in the musical “Kinky Boots,” a show that combines music, humor, and a message of inclusion and acceptance.
The character Don plays an important supporting role in the story. Barber had a limited role replacing actor Daniel Stewart Sherman. However, just like in his playing days, his performance was well received by both audiences and critics.