After 10 seasons as a running back in the National Football League, Tiki Barber has decided to hang it up and retire from the game. Many feel that the move is too early and that Tiki Barber is retiring prematurely, but only Tiki knows what is best for himself. Barber is leaving the game behind to pursue “other opportunities” away from the game of football. So with Tiki Barber leaving in his prime and on the verge of a record setting career, it begs the question: Is Tiki Barber a Hall of Famer?
Tiki Barber was certainly on pace to produce record setting numbers with rushing yards, receiving yards, and touchdowns during his career with the New York Giants. Barber currently holds Giants team records for career rushing yards with 10,449 yards and the team single season rushing yards with 1,860 yards during the 2005 season. Tiki Barber ends his career on a run of three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. But despite the records and the tremendous numbers, Barber has walked away at the peak of his game.
So why should Tiki Barber still be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame? The simple answer is that if Tiki Barber does make it into the Hall of Fame it will be strictly due to his great numbers and the record pace he was on, and not the totals he achieved. If totals were the deciding factor Barber would most definitely find himself on the outside looking in. Had Barber continued his career at the pace he leaves it at, he most certainly would have been a lock and would have been mentioned in the same breathe as Emmit Smith. Tiki Barber’s argument for his Hall of Fame candidacy may also be aided by the fact that he handled himself with class throughout his career and rarely spoke out in the media in a negative manner. Barber’s classy style on and off the field is undeniably worthy of Hall of Fame status.
On the other hand, Tiki Barber has chosen to leave the game early on his own accord. No career-ending injuries have forced him away from the game. If his career had ended early due to injury, then the total numbers would have less of an impact on his Hall of Fame voting and the pace of his number would be more relevant. However, since Tiki has decided to leave early voluntarily, his total numbers should be considered as is. The pace should be a factor but having great total numbers and longevity is the sign of a great player and a key factor in Hall of Fame voting. Having a great pace is extremely respectable, but having a great pace over an extended period of time is the true sign of a Hall of Famer.
Some would be quick to point out that Tiki Barber may qualify for Jim Brown status. Jim Brown once chose to retire early and leave football behind to pursue acting. Brown, like Barber, chose to leave at the pinnacle of his professional career and at the height of his production. But although he is a great player, Tiki Barber is no Jim Brown. Brown was one of the most prolific runners and creators of yards that didn’t exist that the game has ever seen. Tiki Barber on the other hand has made a career off of being a “change-of-pace” runner and didn’t redefine the position like Brown. So we can disqualify Tiki Barber from pointing to Jim Brown as a reason for locking in his status as a Hall of Famer.
