Kevan Barlow

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Kevan Barlow
No. 32
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1980-01-07) January 7, 1980 (age 44)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:234 lb (106 kg)
Career information
High school:Peabody (Pittsburgh)
College:Pittsburgh (1997–2000)
NFL draft:2001 / Round: 3 / Pick: 80
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:3,984
Rushing average:3.9
Rushing touchdowns:30
Receptions:144
Receiving yards:1,164
Receiving touchdowns:3
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Kevan Courtney Barlow (born January 7, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft. He played in the NFL for the 49ers, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.[2]

Early life[edit]

Barlow played his high school football at Peabody High School[1][3] in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As his team’s star player, he led them to the City League Championship three consecutive times.

During his high school career, Barlow was a two-time All-City selection, a Pittsburgh Post Gazette City League Player of the Year, and also a member of the Post Gazette Fabulous 22. Barlow was selected to play in the prestigious Big 33 Football Classic all-star game. He was compared to NFL hall of famer Curtis Martin during his high school career.[4][5] After his senior season, he committed to playing for the University of Pittsburgh.[6]

Barlow was inducted into the Pittsburgh City League High School Hall of Fame in 2017.[7]

College career[edit]

Barlow attended the University of Pittsburgh where he played before entering the NFL draft. During his college career, he rushed 486 times for 2,324 yards (4.78 yards per rush) and 20 touchdowns.[8]

In Barlow's junior year, he was named to the All Big East team.[9] He scored the final touchdown at Pitt Stadium at 7:06 PM, just minutes before a record crowd of 60,190 people rushed the field and tore down the goal posts.[10][11]

Barlow played in the final college game at Three Rivers Stadium, gaining 274 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns against the West Virginia on November 24, 2000.[12] During this game, Barlow gained the most rushing yards against the Mountaineers breaking Syracuse's Larry Csonka’s record of 216 yards in a game against West Virginia in 1965.[13][14] When he left school, he was ranked 11th on the school's career scoring list with 144 points and a total of three 200 yard games.[15]

In 2010, Barlow was ranked top 10 in the Big East in multiple categories including rushing attempts (4th with 197), rushing yards (3rd with 1,053), rushing yards per attempt (7th with 5.3), rushing touchdowns (7th with 8), plays from scrimmage (3rd with 210), yards from scrimmage (4th with 1,187), touchdowns from scrimmage (8th with 9), and overall touchdowns (9th with 9).[16]

Barlow was named in the list of the greatest running backs in the University of Pittsburgh's history.[17] He was also listed by ESPN sports analyst Mel Kiper Jr. as one of the top running backs available for the National Football League Draft.[18][19] He finished 7th on Pittsburgh's list for career rushing yards with 2,234.

Professional career[edit]

Barlow was drafted in the 3rd round (80th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers and signed a $3.8 million contract over three years.[20] Denver Head Coach Mike Shanahan congratulated the 49ers for picking "the best back in the draft."[19] He played a total of seven seasons in the NFL including five with San Francisco.

San Francisco 49ers[edit]

Barlow started his first professional game in the NFL on December 7, 2003, against the Arizona Cardinals, after the 49er's starting running back Garrison Hearst was injured during the third quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens the week prior.[21] The 49ers won the game 50–14 with Barlow rushing for 154 yards and a touchdown.[22] Although he only started nine games, he finished the 2003 season leading the 49ers in rushing with 1,024 yards. He also rushed for 6 touchdowns and averaged 5.1 yards per carry.[23] Barlow and Hearst combined to run for 1,792 yards during this year.[24]

In 2002, after the 49ers training camp, Barlow played in an exhibition game against the Washington Redskins in Osaka, Japan as part of the American Bowl series.[25]

After a breakout 2003 season in which Barlow had a 5.1 yard per carry average and 1024 yards, he became a restricted free agent. The 49ers gave him the starting job by releasing Garrison Hearst and signing him to a long-term deal for five years $28 million. The terms included $20 million, of an $8 million signing bonus fully guaranteed.[26] Barlow suffered a knee injury that spanned for multiple games, crippling his play.[27]

The 2005 season seemed to mark a rebound in his running game. His play was severely affected when he received another knee injury, cutting his season short. He had 420 yards on 102 carries for a 4.0 average through 7 games before being sidelined due to injury.

Barlow appeared in 72 games for the 49ers. He rushed for 3,614 yards and 24 touchdowns on 891 carries. He also added 1,143 yards on 137 catches.[28]

New York Jets[edit]

Looking to replace Curtis Martin, after he suffered a serious knee injury, the New York Jets acquired Barlow from the 49ers on August 20, 2006, in exchange for their fourth round draft pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He was given an honorable mention by Bleacher Report as one of the best trades in the New York Jets' history.[29][30] As part of the deal, the Jets assumed the remainder of his contract which had three seasons remaining at base salaries of $2.5 million (2006), $3.25 million (2007) and $4 million (2008).[28]

Barlow appeared in twelve games for the Jets but only started three. He rushed for 370 yards and scored 6 touchdowns.[31] Due to another knee injury, he was placed on injury reserve and was subsequently released on February 21, 2007.[31]

Pittsburgh Steelers[edit]

After the Pittsburgh Steelers were unable to draft a running back during the 2007 NFL draft, Barlow met with the team on May 4, 2007, eventually signing a one-year contract with them on May 10, 2007.[32] Barlow signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on May 10, 2007. He was expected to share running-back duties with starter Willie Parker.[33] Barlow was released on August 27, 2007 due to a career-ending knee injury.[34]

Philanthropy[edit]

While a member of the 49ers, Barlow would make routine visits to San Quentin State Prison to visit inmates and give them encouragement for post-prison life.[35][36] Barlow also spent time reading to kids at different schools in the San Francisco area and also visited kids at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

Barlow has been a long-time advocate for children's cancer charities. He has rallied with former San Francisco mayor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor Gavin Newsom at charity events to combat breast cancer.[37][38] In 2012, Barlow released a statement in support of new cancer treatments including a finding that folic acid playing a significant role in reducing the rates of two childhood cancers.[38]

Barlow is also an outspoken supporter of the YMCA. He is involved in the YMCA's day summer camp program and other programs for kids offered by the YMCA.[39]

Career statistics[edit]

Year Team GP Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
1997 Pittsburgh Panthers 7 27 108 4.0 2 6 140 23.3 1
1998 Pittsburgh Panthers 9 121 533 4.4 4 11 140 12.7 1
1999 Pittsburgh Panthers 10 141 630 4.5 6 6 94 15.7 1
2000 Pittsburgh Panthers 11 197 1,053 5.3 8 13 134 10.3 1
College[8] 37 486 2,324 4.8 20 36 508 14.1 4

NFL career[edit]

Year Team GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2001 SF 15 0 125 512 4.1 25 4 22 247 11.2 61T 1
2002 SF 14 0 145 675 4.7 35 4 14 136 9.7 29 1
2003 SF 16 4 201 1,024 5.1 78T 6 35 307 8.8 48 1
2004 SF 15 14 244 822 3.4 60 7 35 212 6.1 15 0
2005 SF 12 12 176 581 3.3 29 3 31 241 7.8 24 0
2006 NYJ 12 3 131 370 2.8 12 6 7 21 3.0 8 0
Career[40] 84 33 1,022 3,984 3.9 78T 30 144 1,164 8.1 61T 3

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Cimni, Rich (November 23, 2006). "For Barlow, Memories Run To Uncle". NY Daily News. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  2. ^ Pro Football Reference – Kevan Barlow
  3. ^ Sostek, Anya (March 30, 2012). "Peabody Hosting Last Graduation As It Marks 100th Anniversary". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  4. ^ "17 Oct 1996, Page 61 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at Newspapers.com". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  5. ^ "The Big 33". Big 33. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  6. ^ Pittsburgh Post – Gazette via Google News. "Panthers Sign Up 21 Recruits". Retrieved May 23, 2012. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ "Pittsburgh City League Hall of Fame Awards Oct. 7 at AWC! (Sept. 6, 2017)". New Pittsburgh Courier. September 10, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Total Football Stats – Kevan Barlow
  9. ^ The Sundevils. "Coaches Bio - Vincent White". Archived from the original on September 22, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  10. ^ Collier, Gene (November 14, 1999). "Pitt Stadium Goes Out With A Bang". Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  11. ^ Popchock, Matt. "The 5 Best Freshmen Performances in Pitt Football History". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  12. ^ "Three Rivers Stadium football finales were fittingly fantastic". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  13. ^ "Barlow's 272 yards, 4 TDs power Pitt win over West Virginia". old.post-gazette.com. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  14. ^ Pitt Football. "Kevan Barlow Named Big East Player of the Week". Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  15. ^ Pitt Football. "2005 Record Book". Retrieved August 2, 2012.
  16. ^ "Kevan Barlow". Sports Reference – College Football. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  17. ^ Shetler, Matt. "Pitt Football: Where Ray Graham Ranks Among Pitt's All-Time Great Running Backs". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  18. ^ "Mel Kiper - Top RBs, FBs available in draft - ESPN.com". www.espn.com. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  19. ^ a b "49ers Champ's Incredible Fan Paradise Paradise Press". www.49ersparadise.com. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  20. ^ "2001 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  21. ^ "Around The League: Texans' Carr Practices, Will Start Against Jaguars". Jacksonville.com. Associated Press. December 4, 2003. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  22. ^ "Garcia Throws Four TDs, Owens Catches Two". ESPN Go. December 7, 2003. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  23. ^ "Kevan Barlow Statistics". NFL.com. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  24. ^ Lynch, Kevin (October 7, 2001). "Barlow's character was forged in Pittsburgh". SFGATE. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  25. ^ "History of 49ers Camp: University of the Pacific and SAP Performance Facility". www.49ers.com. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  26. ^ "Barlow Gets Five-Year Extension". ESPN. Associated Press. February 23, 2003. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  27. ^ "Notebook: Barlow expects to play despite sore knee". TribLIVE.com. Associated Press. September 23, 2004. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Pasquarelli, Len (August 20, 2006). "Jets Shore Up Backfield, Acquire Barlow From 49ers". ESPN. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  29. ^ Galvin, Brandon. "New York Jets: 20 Best Trades in Franchise History". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  30. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (August 20, 2006). "Jets shore up backfield, acquire Barlow from 49ers". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  31. ^ a b Pasquarelli, Len (February 21, 2007). "Jets cut loose Barlow after only one year in NY". ESPN. Archived from the original on August 1, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  32. ^ Bouchette, Ed (May 4, 2007). "Steelers Meet With Running Back Kevan Barlow". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  33. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (May 10, 2007). "Barlow to leave Jets after reaching deal with Steelers". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  34. ^ "RB Kevan Barlow among 10 Steelers cut". USA Today. Gannett Company. August 27, 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  35. ^ ESPN. "Hard time with Kevan Barlow". Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  36. ^ Kevan Barlow.net. "Giving Wisely". Archived from the original on June 11, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  37. ^ Robinson, Jon (October 29, 2004). "Kevan Barlow Interview". IGN. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  38. ^ a b Yahoo News. "Kevan Barlow Celebrates New Research Into Childhood Cancer Prevention". Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  39. ^ Kevan Barlow. "How To Support The YMCA". Retrieved July 31, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  40. ^ ESPN NFL. "Kevan Barlow Stats". Retrieved May 26, 2012.

External links[edit]

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