By Darin Mike Barber shatters records and dominates defenses as the premier wide receiver in Marshall University history. His explosive speed and reliable hands elevate the Thundering Herd to new heights during the 1980s. Discover the incredible journey of the local West Virginia star who conquers college football and earns his rightful place among the game’s immortals.
Football Bio
June 19, 1967 – Winfield, West Virginia – Mike Barber, who was Marshall’s stud wide receiver from 1985 to 1988, was born.
The National Football Foundation’s web bio on Barber says he may very well be one of the greatest players ever to wear a Marshall University uniform. Barber was selected twice for First Team All-America honors, three times for First Team All-Southern Conference honors, and in 1988 was selected as the National Player of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
Barber led the nation in receiving while setting single-season conference records with 106 receptions and 1,757 yards in 1987. He ended his collegiate career with 4,262 yards receiving as well as 249 receptions.
Mike Barber’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 2005. Barber was taken in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and played in the league for five seasons.
Mike Barber leaves an undeniable legacy on the gridiron, transforming Marshall University’s passing game into an unstoppable force. He validates his legendary status by transitioning from a local West Virginia standout into a record-breaking collegiate receiver and an NFL Super Bowl champion. Today, his enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame ensures that the story of his greatness continues to inspire future generations of Thundering Herd athletes.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005.
- Super Bowl Champion: Won Super Bowl XXIV as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
- AFCA National Player of the Year: Named Division I-AA National Player of the Year in 1988.
- 2× Consensus All-American: Earned First-Team honors in 1987 and 1988.
- 3× First-Team All-Southern Conference: Selected for three consecutive seasons (1986–1988).
- NCAA Receiving Leader: Paced the nation with 106 receptions and 1,757 receiving yards in 1987.
- Marshall Career Records: Holds the all-time school record for career receiving yards (4,262) and 100-yard games (21).
- Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1994.
- NFL Draft: Selected in the 4th round (112th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.