Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber is among the 25 modern-era player semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
Barber, who played his entire 10-year career with Big Blue, retired back in 2006 and has been eligible since 2011. This is his first time as a semifinalist.
Here are four reasons why Barber deserves entry into Canton.
A great all-around competitor
Barber’s 15,632 total yards from scrimmage ranks 15th overall in NFL history and is 6,000 yards ahead of any player who has worn a Giants uniform in the franchise’s 99 seasons.
Of the 14 players ahead of Tiki on the list, 11 have been inducted into the Hall. The other three — Frank Gore, Larry Fitzgerald, and Adrian Peterson — have not yet reached the five-year waiting period but will surely gain election.
Three 2,000-yard seasons
Barber has three seasons in which he eclipsed 2,000 total yards from scrimmage.
Only three players — Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk, Eric Dickerson and Walter Payton — have more (four).
Three other players have three: Hall of Famers Edgerrin James and LaDanian Tomlinson, and Priest Holmes.
His versatility has been unmatched
Barber was a player who could beat you in many ways. He was a great rusher from scrimmage, could catch the football out of the backfield, and was a reliable kick and punt returner.
He is the only player in NFL history to record 10,000 rushing yards, 5,000 receiving yards, and 1,000 return yards.
A great Giant
Barber would already be in the Hall had he played an 11th season for the Giants. He was still in fantastic shape when he left the game and had just rolled off his third consecutive season of 2,000 total yards from scrimmage and a Pro Bowl nod.
In his final game as a Giant, Tiki rushed for 234 yards and three touchdowns against Washington to carry the Giants into the postseason.
The Giants won the Super Bowl the year after he left. Had he stayed and gotten that ring, his legend would have been sealed sooner.
He is a member of the Giants’ Ring of Honor and holds the Giants’ franchise marks for career rushing attempts (2,217), rushing yards (10,449), and yards from scrimmage (15,632). His 67 total touchdowns are second only to Hall of Famer Frank Gifford.
