Tiki Barber, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler, has been named a correspondent for NBC News’ TODAY and an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.” The announcement was made today by Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics, and Steve Capus, President, NBC News. Barber will begin at TODAY in April.
“Tiki Barber is one of those rare personalities who appeals to virtually every audience imaginable," said NBC Universal President and CEO, Jeff Zucker. "I'm thrilled that he's found his new home here at NBC, and I'm confident that this next phase of his career will be an unqualified success.”
Barber said: “I am thrilled to be joining the NBC Universal family. This was a long and arduous decision process for me, but in the end NBC is where I felt I belonged. The opportunity to work for both a world-class news division and a world-class sports division is truly second to none.”
Ebersol said: “Throughout his playing career, Tiki was never shy about expressing his opinions and was honest to a fault with the media. His intelligent outspokenness will serve him well as a broadcaster and is what made him attractive to us. Tiki will be a great addition to ‘Football Night in America.’”
Capus said: “Tiki's got that natural curiosity that makes a journalist tick. He personifies the fresh perspective and creative sensibility that the audience at TODAY has come to expect, and I can't wait for him to get started.”
Barber started his broadcasting career prior to retiring from professional football, serving as a correspondent on Fox News Channel's morning show “Fox & Friends” and hosting a radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, “The National Sweep,” which covered politics, news, sports and entertainment. Guests on the show ranged from Senator John McCain to Daniel Kurtzer, the former ambassador to both Israel and Egypt, to Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Barber and his twin brother Ronde currently host a weekly football show on Sirius NFL Radio called “The Barber Shop.”
His early days in broadcasting go back to 1999, when he started at WFAN radio in New York. Barber segued into morning sports anchoring in 2000 when he joined WCBS-TV in New York. Over the years, he has hosted a variety of television events and specials.
In his illustrious 10-year playing career, Barber set virtually every career offensive record for the Giants, while being voted to three NFL Pro Bowls. He holds the Giants all-time mark with 10,449 career rushing yards — good for 17th all-time in NFL history. Barber's 586 receptions and 15,632 yards from scrimmage also are Giants career bests. His 2,390 yards from scrimmage during the 2005 season ranks 2nd best in league history. Barber saved his best for last. In his final regular season game, Barber rushed for 234 yards in a victory over the Washington Redskins, setting a franchise record and helping the Giants clinch a berth in the playoffs. He is one of only three players in NFL history with at least 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving in a career.
Barber also has been active in the community, lending his time to many charitable causes, including the Verizon Literacy Campaign, Fresh Air Fund, Robin Hood Foundation and the Children's Miracle Network. He is the author of several children's books and, in 2005, starred in an off-Broadway play. He is currently working on a memoir, due to be published this fall.
Barber is a 1997 graduate of the University of Virginia. While at UVa., he was selected as a Top Eight recipient by the NCAA Honors Committee for achievement in athletics, academics and leadership. A native of Roanoke, Va., Barber resides in New York City with his wife Ginny and their two sons A.J. and Chason.