Tiki Barber: 5 Reasons He Should've Been Given a Second Chance

The NFL season starts on Thursday, and it does not look like recently un-retired running back Tiki Barber will be back on the field.

Barber, who retired from the NFL in 2006, rushed for more than 10,000 yards and caught 586 passes during his career.

Given his track record, it is somewhat surprising that Barber was unable to find a team to play for. And passing him up may have been a bad decision on the part of all 32 teams.

Here are five reasons Barber should still be playing.

He Is Gone from the Giants

Barber did himself no favors when he lashed out at the Giants before their championship season in 2007. And do not think that tirade against his former club has had nothing to do with his inability to find a team.

But just because he had problems with the Giants does not mean he would have the same animosity for another team.

The relationship between Barber and the Giants had become strained during his 10-year career with the team, and it was best for both parties to separate.

Yes, Barber is a head case, but he would likely to be too thankful for being with a new team to trash them to the media. He also would not be with a team long enough for the relationship to become toxic.

There Are Never Enough Running Backs

NFL teams have gone to more of a "running back by committee" rotation during the past decade, and with the risk of injury, teams always need more than one good running back.

Barber could have found a role as a second running back on a good team or as a starter on a bad team. He performed well in two-back systems with Ron Dayne in 2000 and Brandon Jacobs in 2006.

Versatility

In addition to being an excellent rusher, Barber was one of the best receiving tailbacks in the NFL during his career, catching 586 passes and 12 touchdowns.

Versatile running backs are difficult to find, making his failure to sign that much more baffling.

Even at 36, Barber would have still been able to create mismatches against linebackers as a receiver.

Recovery Time

Barber has been out of football for four years, and although he certainly has some rust to shake off, he is also well-rested for a return to the game.

It is not as if Barber has been on an eating binge during retirement either. He has maintained a healthy diet and physically active lifestyle during that period.

If Barber could work himself back into football shape, he could still be a serviceable (and rested) running back.

He Is Not Injury Prone

Of Barber's 10 years in the NFL, he played all 16 regular season games in eight seasons.

Although he may be more prone to injury at 36, there is no way of telling. 2001 was the last season where he missed a regular season game.

Barber is a tough back, especially given his 5'10" stature. And even in old age, he may be more reliable than most would expect.