Marion Barber Jr.


Marion Sylvester Barber Jr. is a former American football running back. He played for the New York Jets of the National Football League from 1982 to 1988. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in youth studies in 2017.

Early years

Barber attended Chadsey High School in Detroit, Michigan, and is the son of Marion Sylvester Barber. He went on to play running back at the University of Minnesota where he finished as the all-time record holder for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and 100-yard rushing games in a career. Those records have since been broken.

Professional career

Barber was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2nd round of the 1981 NFL Draft and retired at the end of the 1988 season.

Full Circle

Barber would graduate from the University of Minnesota almost 40 years after playing for the Gophers.

Personal information

He is the father of former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber III, former Houston Texans safety Dominique Barber and current Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Thomas Barber. All his sons played at the University of Minnesota.