Tiki Barber’s interview with Armen Keteyian on HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” aired on Tuesday night. The 36-year-old discussed his attempt at making a comeback to the NFL and how he needs the game more than it needs him. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story.
Tiki Barber’s interview with Armen Keteyian on HBO’s “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” aired on Tuesday night. The 36-year-old discussed his attempt at making a comeback to the NFL and how he needs the game more than it needs him.
He was also asked about his failed marriage, which resulted in the former running back leaving his then-eight-months-pregnant wife Ginny Cha for former NBC intern Traci Lynn Johnson.
“I didn’t think it was going to ruin my career,” Barber told HBO.
Barber talked about how losing his job at NBC and the New York Post “stalking” him about his relationship with the 23-year-old Johnson led to his yearlong depression.
He also said that he was surprised at the negative reaction he received when he retired because people “were trying to dictate” what he should do with his life.
Now, Barber is focused on rebuilding his body so he can play in the NFL for the first time in four years.
“I need to prove to myself that I can be successful at something,” he said. “I know I’m going to be successful as a football player. I don’t know why. The odds say ‘No.’ I’m 36 and I haven’t played in four years. But I just know.”
