Before he became the all-time rushing leader in NY Giants’ history, Tiki Barber was an anxious prospect waiting to find out where he would be drafted. In an article for The Big Lead by Ryan Phillips, Barber’s draft day experience was chronicled.
It was as unique an experience as anyone has ever had on draft day – Barber wasn’t just waiting to hear his name called, but also that of his twin brother, Ronde. The winds of change were sweeping, as the Barber brothers’ path was reaching a fork in the road.
"“We were going to be separated from each other for the first time. So it was like this realization that, man, we’ve got to grow up and be away from each other,” said Tiki. But at the same time, it was this dream that we were both about to realize. It’s rare that twins make it even though there’ve been a couple . . . we were nervous and happy and excited, but also kind of dreading it at the same time.”"
The twins couldn’t sit around and wait with anticipation, so they opted to play golf instead – looking for ‘something to take their minds away from it.’ Nothing gets your mind off the wait for a life-changing moment like a day on the links.
The running-back never expected to be a Giant, even saying he was ‘scared’ of New York. Barber didn’t even know who Jim Fassel was – the man who was about to become his new head coach.
"“We got about, I want to say 15 or 16 holes in when I got a call from Pat Hanlon. He said, “I’m gonna put you on with our coach who’s about to draft you, Jim Fassel.” And I was like, “Wait, who the hell is Jim Fassel?” Because it was his first year as the head coach of the Giants,” said the second round pick. “So for a second there, I’m like, who’s drafted me? And then I kind of figured it out and it was exciting, man. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was.”"
30 picks later, his brother Ronde would be selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – getting the call while the brothers were finishing their post-golf beers. From anxious waiting to celebratory shenanigans, Tiki called that night ‘epic’ – the thrill of realizing a dream for not just him, but his entire family.
Barber became an invaluable piece of the Giants’ early 2000’s teams, helping the team to five playoff appearances and even a trip to the Super Bowl. You would’ve never been able to tell he was scared of New York, as he ended his career as the team’s leader in almost every rushing category.
The Giants will hope to draft a player in this year’s draft who can be as productive as Barber was for the franchise.