Marion Barber III
A punishing Dallas Cowboys running back whose violent, tackle-breaking style and nose for the endzone made him a fan favorite and a defensive nightmare.
1983–2022 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: June 10·Millennials
Biography
Marion Barber III rushed for 10 touchdowns in the 2007 season, earning a Pro Bowl selection as the Dallas Cowboys' most feared short-yardage back. Drafted out of Minnesota in 2005, where he set a school record for rushing touchdowns, Barber defined his role as a closer. He wasn't the starter, but he was the hammer. In the fourth quarter, with games on the line, his brutal style wore down opponents. His signature was an uncanny ability to drag piles of defenders for extra yards. His physical style may have shortened his prime, but his years in Dallas displayed pure football toughness.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marion was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marion Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Marion's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Died at 39
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Key Achievements
- Selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 after scoring 10 total touchdowns (rushing and receiving) for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Set the University of Minnesota single-season record with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2003.
- Rushed for 4,780 career yards and 53 touchdowns over seven seasons in the NFL.
Did You Know?
His father, Marion Barber Jr., also played running back in the NFL for the New York Jets.
He famously never lost a fumble during his entire college career at Minnesota.
He was known for an intense, almost silent demeanor off the field, contrasting sharply with his violent on-field persona.
“I run with violence. That's my style.”
