Under the Helmet: Thomas Barber - University of Minnesota Athletics

The last name Barber is practically synonymous with Gopher football. Through four family members – father Marion and sons Marion III, Dom and Thomas – the name Barber has been on the back of a Minnesota game jersey for more than 15 years.

Now the Barber era, which stretches from 1977 to 2019 with the Maroon and Gold, is coming to a close at Minnesota.

But not before Thomas, who is the youngest of the group and a senior this year, makes a few more dazzling plays to proudly represent his last name.

“They say that they’ve had their fun,” said Thomas Barber. “They said they have had their time in the spotlight, and that it is my time now.”

Minnesota Gophers linebacker Thomas Barber (41)

07/30/2019
Brad Rempel - University of Minnesota
brempel@umn.edu

29 Sept. 2007: University of Minnesota plays host to the Ohio State University at the Metro Dome in Minneapolis, MN.

NCAA Bylaw 12.5.11 prohibits the use of a student-athlete's name, picture, or identity to promote the sale of a commercial product or service. It is the intent of the University of Minnesota that this photo shall no be used in any way that may constitute advertising or promotion of any commercial product or service.

This photo can not be used with out the written or verbal permission from the University of Minnesota. Photo can not be sold for profit.

Like any little brother, Thomas always wanted to do what the older boys were doing. Marion III and Dom are a bit older than Thomas, but that means that the Plymouth, Minn., native has had Gopher football in his blood for as long as he can remember.

When it came time to start thinking about college, Thomas said his path was similar to that of his brothers. He was under-recruited and only one school gave him a shot: Minnesota.

The role that his family legacy played in that offer loomed in his mind, but if anything, it only motivated him more. He went from playing special teams as a freshman to being a leader of the defense as a senior.

“It starts with my family,” Thomas Barber said. “They put no pressure on me to come here, or to perform well here. That was really just on me to put pressure on myself, so that made it easier. Everything is positive with them.”

Minnesota Gophers linebacker Thomas Barber (41)

I want the team to see that all the time I spent with them was not just for my purpose but for the future of Gopher football. I want one day for someone to say, ‘Thomas Barber met with me and now I’m meeting with you, because I know what you can do and I want you to be the best that you can be.'

While Thomas is now one of four Barbers to play for the Gophers, there are some things that set him apart.

He played hockey for 15 years – and still skates in the offseason for conditioning – which he says helped him gain a physical edge and tenacity on the football field. And with his brothers already in college when he was just a kid, Thomas has been a student of the game for many years.

“I was really into their games,” he said. “I wasn’t just a young kid. I’d actually see what they were doing and see coverages at a young age, so that’s what separated me. My knowledge of football, how smart I was, just knowing the whole game.”

Now in his final year with the Gophers, Thomas is upholding the legacy of his family and also wants to be remembered for being a good teammate and putting the team first.

“I want the team to see that all the time I spent with them was not just for my purpose but for the future of Gopher football,” Barber said. “I want one day for someone to say, ‘Thomas Barber met with me and now I’m meeting with you, because I know what you can do and I want you to be the best that you can be.’”