Marion Sylvester Barber III was an American professional football player who was a running back for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 during his six-year tenure with the Cowboys. He played for the Chicago Bears in 2011.
Barber with the Cowboys in 2007
Barber at the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl
The 2005 NFL draft, the 70th in league history, took place on April 23 and 24, 2005. The draft was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City and was televised for the 26th consecutive year, with coverage on ESPN and ESPN2. It was the first to be held at the Javits Center, as Madison Square Garden had been utilized for drafts since 1995.
Quarterback Alex Smith, taken first overall, struggled for his first few years before becoming a solid starter after 2011 for the San Francisco 49ers, a Pro Bowler with the Kansas City Chiefs and a starter with the Washington Redskins. He overcame a severe leg injury in his final season.
Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, taken sixth overall, enjoyed a long career despite several off-field incidents.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware, taken 11th overall, was a stalwart on the Dallas Cowboys defense before finishing his career with the Denver Broncos.
Linebacker Shawne Merriman, taken 12th overall, was a three-time All-Pro and led the NFL in sacks in 2006.