Tiki Barber To Unretire, Plans To Play in 2011

Several media outlets are reporting that Tiki Barber is planning to un-retire. As a 10-year veteran, Barber hung up his pads after the 2006 season.

Four seasons have passed since Barber played a down in the NFL, and it is difficult to tell whether he will even make an impact upon his return to the NFL.

He made quite an impact with the Giants during his 10-year career, amassing six 1,000-yard seasons. Along with Barber's 10,449 career yards, he has 5,183 career receiving yards.

Barber was a premier NFL running back when he retired, and some will say his departure was premature. Given these circumstances, Barber still thinks that he has something left.

Where will Barber fit?

Barber will turn 36 before the 2011 season starts, which means that the numbers are against him. His role with any team will likely be as a reserve, providing veteran leadership for a young team or backfield.

It is safe to assume that at this point Barber will not be able to be a featured back, given his age and his length of absence from football.

Even if Barber is in tip-top shape, he will have to prove himself all over again to whoever is willing to give him a shot.

The life of running backs in the NFL is short. Barber, as a 10-year player, played more than many running backs are able to.

Why this makes sense for Barber

It is obvious that Barber still has a part of him that believes he can play on Sundays. Today's NFL consists of many split backfields with two talented runners.

If Barber played for a team with another great back, he would be able to conserve his legs by playing in a reserve role.

Also, remember that Barber has had time to heal after a four-year absence from the NFL. With that absence also comes risk, as Barber might not be used to the speed of the game.

This move is shocking, and nobody could have possibly predicted this would happen, but it shouldn't be blasphemous.

This makes a very interesting headline, especially after witnessing the last several years of Brett Favre's career.