Episode 19: Tiki Will Surprise His Haters

Tiki Barber, who turns 36 in April, filed his papers to unretire on Tuesday. As a Giants fan, I don't like the way he left the game in 2006, and then used his new job in the media to criticize the team first chance he got. I don't think anyone does. But there's 3 reasons why I think Tiki, one of the best pass-catching running backs in history, can still be a productive player in the NFL: 1) He has a massive chip on his shoulder after what happened in N.Y.; 2) He has the blueprint: LaDainian Tomlinson, who has the same trainer as Tiki Barber; 3) He would have added motivation if he played in Tampa Bay alongside his twin brother Ronde, who he's always had a sibling rivalry with. I'm not saying to pick him up in your fantasy football draft, but you can't overlook Tiki's resume: -One of only 3 backs in NFL history to gain more than 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards -Four seasons of 2,000 or more total yards. Only Marshall Faulk, Brian Mitchell and Dante Hall have done that. -Five 200-yard rushing games, 3 of those were in one season, only O.J. and Earl Campbell have matched that or beat that. -Only player in history to lead his team in rushing 80 consecutive games. Plus, most teams use 3 RBs anyways, who split carries. At the least, he could be a nice added dimension for a coach that knows how to use him. How about in Denver with former long-time Giants defensive coordinator John Fox, who needs a RB right now? I also talk about Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and a joke of a punishment the Buckeyes handed him, and the Heat's fifth straight loss. Photo from BostonHerald.com