AP: Tiki Barber ready to exit for right opportunity

[bubba9497]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5824618

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Tiki Barber ready to exit for right opportunity

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Consecutive record-setting seasons hasn't stopped New York Giants running back Tiki Barber from thinking about life after football, possibly even after this season.

The 31-year-old Barber said after his first practice at training camp on Friday that he would consider retiring after this season if the right opportunity came along.

The NFL's second-leading rusher last season with 1,860 yards, Barber could not describe the perfect job opportunity but he admitted that he got a few offers that interested him this past summer.

The Giants' career rushing leader turned them down because he feels that this team can win a championship and get him that cherished ring.

"I honestly feel we can compete for a Super Bowl this season," said Barber, who is entering his 10th season. "I am telling everyone on our team and you guys if you want to listen, that we can get there. That we should be able to get there as long as we stay healthy, as long as we all believe that."

Coming off an 11-5 season that won them the NFC East title, the Giants are an improved team. All 11 members of the offense are back and the defense has been upgraded with the signing of three-time Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington and three new players for the secondary.

While winning a Super Bowl would fulfill his dream and possibly hasten his retirement, Barber isn't solely interested in football. He has many interests. He has worked as a television on-air personality for years, doing a special this summer in New Orleans on the USS New York, a ship being build partially from steel taken from the World Trade Center.

Barber also has dabbled in the financial world and written three books with his twin brother, Ronde, a football player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two are under contract to write two books for adolescents.

"I have a lot in my life already mapped out," Barber said. "I know that some inside and outside of this organization probably aren't happy with what I have been doing. It's my dream and my passion, just as football is.

"I know that I have a focus and when camp starts, I shift to this (football)," Barber added. "What I do in my offseason is my business even though it is in the public eye. I'm excited for new challenges in my life and we'll see what happens with this season, and possibly next."

[tr1]

Don't you just hate it when your starting running back talks about retiring? :laugh:

There's more... http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=503740&category=SPORTS&newsdate=7/29/2006

[Alabama Man]

Best back in the East the last few seasons. I wonder how much longer he will keep it going. Strahan somehow figured out the fountain of youth.

[Mr. S]

that is kinda disheartening to hear. With the season he had though, maybe he wants to leave while he's ahead and not end up like Emmit Smith? It's still funny to hear nonetheless.

Yeh, about Strahan, when will he retire?

[#1njskinsfan]

I wont shead a tear when he hangs them up!

[Tom [Giants fan]]

Trust me, all Giant fans are very aware of this. And Barber's replacement may or may not be on the roster. There is a lot of concern what the Giants do once he retires. He did say himself though that he is in the best shape of his life so maybe it is just talk right now.

As far as Strahan goes, I think he prolonged his career by losing 25 pounds. He is playing at 255 now instead of the 280 he started at.