Now, the Mocksville, N.C. native has a chance to go back home.
Barber, who went undrafted last month, recently signed a professional contract with the Carolina Panthers. Charlotte, where the team plays its home games, is located just 61 miles from his hometown.
Getting the go-ahead from the Panthers, after working out with the team last week, has to be a dream-come-true for the determined linebacker.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back,” Barber said. “Obviously getting the chance to play in the NFL is a blessing by itself, but playing at home definitely makes it much sweeter.