Life itself takes its funny little twists every day.
Life in the NFL can get even more ironic.
Take the latest news surrounding Tiki Barber, the Giants running back who only compiled the biggest career yardage total in team history. Despite that, his numerous spats with then-coach Tom Coughlin resulted in his post-retirement exile to the publicity desert, a punishment that reached the fan base’s hearts and resulted in a lusty round of boos as he was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.
That lasted for years. And, granted, his criticisms of Coughlin in his various radio spots exacerbated the matter as the boos continued to rain down during his celebrity appearances. (Barber works for CBS Sports Radio, which is operated by WFAN's parent company, Entercom Communications.)
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Barber's ripping of Eli Manning in 2007 didn’t help, either. During halftime of a game against the Ravens, Barber said he wished the quarterback would show more fire in the locker room and cited team meeting Barber depicted as “comical.”
Manning fired back in uncharacteristically angry tones.
USA TODAY Images He wanted Barber back in the fold. All had been forgiven. And, if truth be known, Shurmur was only barely aware of the controversies the running back had stirred up regarding the coach who fixed his fumble problem and turned him into a reliable, dangerous back.
It’s not that Barber is a singular case here. Shurmur has reached out to several ex-Giants, including troubled wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who infamously short-circuited the 2008 season by putting a bullet in his thigh while visiting a Manhattan nightclub. Both will be coming back not just as celebrity faces, but as wise dispensers of advice for the team’s younger players.
Saquon Barkley, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, has already sought out Barber. This from the draft’s No. 2 pick overall.
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There is little doubt that Barber has much to offer. Even if it’s to impart the lessons Coughlin taught him about ball security -- carry it high and tight -- little technical changes like that will only help Barkley become a better running back.
Just like Burress’ advice on dealing with the inevitable double-teams he’ll face in the pass patterns will help Odell Beckham Jr. and his receiving group take advantage of Barkley’s backfield presence.
The boos have turned to cheers, most recently as he was introduced at the Landon Collins Celebrity Softball Game.
It’s a happy turnaround. Coughlin is no longer part of the toxic equation. There’s a new coach in town, one unfamiliar and uncaring about the history -- more concerned with developing coherence and efficiency with his new team.
Life has taken its turn.
NFL life has taken an even wider one as far as Tiki Barber is concerned.
He’s back in the fold with full privileges.
That’s a good thing.