Barring unforeseen circumstances, like say, a freak injury tomorrow at practice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback will set an NFL record that may not ever be broken. If Barber starts Sunday when the Buccaneers host the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium, Barber will have made his 172nd consecutive start at cornerback. That would move him ahead of recent Hall of Fame inductee Dick LeBeau, who Barber is currently tied with at 171 starts. Remarkable stuff.
I mentioned this record being one that may never be approached again. Why? Well, if the NFL goes to an 18 game schedule, logic dictates that it will become increasingly tougher for players to make it through an entire season unscathed. We’ll see. For now, let’s just appreciate Barber for his longevity, productivity and leadership. Congratulations Ronde!