Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber has decided to retire from the National Football League.
The 28-year-old tough runner out of Minnesota played seven seasons in the NFL racking up nearly 5,000 rushing yards.
“I want to thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to play, and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to suit up for two of the NFL’s most storied organizations,” Barber said, according to the team’s official website.
Before arriving in Chicago for the 2011 season, Barber spent the first six seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Last year, he rushed for 422 yards with six touchdowns.
The news of his retirement came one day after the team signed running back Michael Bush to a four-year, $14 million contract, placing him in the backfield with Matt Forte.
Barber’s one-year stint with the Bears may be remembered most for running out-of-bounds in a loss to the Denver Broncos while the team was trying to kill the clock, and for fumbling the ball in overtime. The Bears fell victim to another miraculous Tim Tebow late game comeback that day.
The running back also told the Bears’ website: “I want to thank everyone who helped me become a better player. I owe a lot to a lot of coaches, and am also very grateful to the owners and organizations I played for. Last but not least, I want to thank the fans for the support and inspiration they gave me.”
The Cowboys drafted the 5-11, 218 pound runner, in 2005. He went on to run for more than 500 yards in his rookie year.
The following season, Barber ran for 654 yards while also ending 14 offensive drives with a touchdown.
Perhaps his best season was in 2007, when he ran for 975 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
