Eric Barton is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on September 29, 1977, in Sacramento, California, and attended the University of Maryland, where he played college football for the Terrapins.
Barton was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Raiders, where he established himself as a reliable and versatile linebacker. He played in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons and started 13 games in his fourth season.
In 2003, Barton signed with the New York Jets as a free agent. He played for the Jets for five seasons and was a key member of their defense during that time. He played in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons with the Jets and started all 16 games in his fourth season. In 2006, he recorded a career-high 155 tackles and was named the Jets' team MVP.
Barton signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2008 and played for them for two seasons. He played in all 16 games in his first season with the Browns and started 15 games. In his second season, he played in 12 games and started 11 games before being released by the team in December 2009.
Barton signed with the New England Patriots in January 2010 but was released by the team in August of that year. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins in September 2010 but was released by the team in October of that year. He announced his retirement from the NFL in November 2010.
Throughout his NFL career, Barton was known for his toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the field. He was a versatile linebacker who could play both inside and outside positions and was effective in both run defense and pass coverage. He was also a respected teammate and mentor to younger players.
After retiring from the NFL, Barton worked as a football analyst for various media outlets, including ESPN and the NFL Network. He also became involved in philanthropic work, including supporting the Eric Barton Foundation, which provides scholarships and other resources to underprivileged youth in the Sacramento area.
In conclusion, Eric Barton had a successful career as an NFL linebacker, playing for four different teams over the course of more than a decade. He was a reliable and versatile player who was respected by his teammates and coaches. After retiring from football, he continued to make a positive impact through his work as a football analyst and philanthropist.
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