Top 10 Tiki Moments at the Meadowlands

Even though the Giants are hosting the Saints in a critical battle for their playoff lives, a major focus this week has been on Tiki Barber. With Barber determined to retire at season's end, the Giants all-time leading rusher is heading in to his last game at Giants Stadium. On the eve of Tiki's last home game, I've decided to reflect on his top NFL moments in the Meadowlands. Drafted in the second round out of Virginia in the 1997 NFL Draft, Barber made his mark early with versatility. Questions surrounded his ability to be an every down back and the Giants were cautious during the early stages of his career. Barber would rotate starts with Tyrone Wheatley and Gary Brown in his first few years, making more of an impact as a receiver out of the backfield and on special teams. However, an injury to Brown and the introduction of offensive coordinator Sean Payton allowed his career to soar. He has exceeded all expectations, becoming the Giants all-time leading rusher and only one of 3 men in NFL history with over 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. Only time will tell if he gets a bust in Canton, but this will surely be the final season Giants fans see the number 21 on the field. In honor of his ten great years in New York, I've selected ten of the most memorable Tiki moments at Giants Stadium.

10. September 3, 2000 vs. ARIZONA
Twice as Nice: Tiki's first multi-TD game comes to start the 2000 season.

For the first time in his career, Tiki opened the 2000 season firmly entrenched as the main back. While the team had high hopes for Heisman trophy winning rookie Ron Dayne, Tiki was given the lion's share of the carries. Barber opened the season right with 144 yards on the ground and a pair of scores that included a 78 yarder. His 144 yards rushing were the most ever by a Giant in a season opener (which he later broke in 2003 vs. the Rams with 146).

9. October 23, 2005 vs. DENVER
Big block keys late game heroics: Tiki's extra effort allows for game winning score.

The game didn't start well for Barber as he lost a fumble on the Giants opening possession, but the resilient Barber would be instrumental in one of the great comebacks in Giants history. His 110 yards of offense included a spectacular 34 yard run to set up an early score as well as a four yard touchdown run to cut the Giants deficit to six points. While many will remember this game for Eli Manning's first glimpse as a late game hero, he never would have had the chance to shine if not for Barber's crucial block on the game winning score.

8. December 23, 2000 vs. JACKSONVILLE
Lightning Rushes For 1,000: As part of the vaunted "Thunder and Lightning" tandem with Ron Dayne, Barber eclipses 1,000 yards rushing for the first time.

As if that wasn't enough, his 113 yards of total offense allowed him to become the first Giants player to surpass 2,000 all-purpose yards in a season. With home-field advantage throughout the playoffs on the line, Barber's massive contributions all came with a broken arm. His rushing touchdown helped pave the way for a crucial victory that made the 2000 NFC Playoffs run through the Meadowlands.

7. January 14, 2001 vs. MINNESOTA
"Worst #1 Seed in History" Reaches the Super Bowl: Tiki eifficient in Giants rout of the Vikings.

While this game will be remembered for the aerial heroics of Kerry Collins and his receivers, Tiki's 90 total yards were an important contribution to the blowout. Still battling through a broken left arm, Tiki averaged nearly 6 yards a carry in the Giants biggest win of his tenure. Many prognosticators had written the Giants off; several going so far as to call them the worst number one seed in playoff history. After the blow out, late owner Wellington Mara pleasantly proclaimed the worst #1 seed in history was headed to the Super Bowl.

6. October 18, 1999 vs. DALLAS
Jack of all trades: Tiki sets Giants' record for all-purpose yards in a game.

The versatility that has made Barber such a standout professional was first put on display in this thrilling victory over the division rival Cowboys. After a relatively quiet first three quarters, Barber single-handedly took over the fourth quarter. The lone punt return touchdown of his career came early in the period as he gashed the Cowboys for an 85 yard score. During the game's final drive, Barber's 56 yard catch and run set up a chip shot game winning field goal.

5. August 31, 1997- vs. PHILADELPHIA
Rookie shows off to the home crowd: Rushes for a touchdown in his first NFL start.

The Tiki Barber Era got off to a quick start in the only August regular season game in Giants history. After seven years of watching bruising running back Rodney Hampton set many Giants rushing records, Giants fans were reluctant to accept a new face in the backfield. Starting in his first regular season game, the rookie carried 20 times for 88 yards and a score. He added 3 catches for 32 yards in an impressive 31-17 victory over Philadelphia. Although he still had a lot to prove, Barber made a great first impression.


4. January 2, 2004 vs. DALLAS
Move over Rodney: Tiki breaks record for most rushing yards in Giants history.

In a season with very few highlights, Tiki's monster effort in the season finale solidified his place in Giants history. With 95 yards on the ground, Tiki surpassed Rodney Hampton as the Giants all-time leading rusher. The Giants came in to this game riding an 8 game losing streak, including six under rookie #1 draft pick Eli Manning. Behind Tiki's two touchdowns (one rush and one receiving), the Giants got Eli his first NFL victory. Barber's 4 yard run on fourth down late in the game finished off the comeback. With no first round pick to look forward to in the upcoming draft, Giants and their fans were happy to end the 2004 season on a high note.

3. December 28, 2002 vs. PHILADELPHIA
Win and In: Despite 3 costly fumbles, Tiki rushes for over 200 yards to put the Giants in the playoffs.

In the season finale of 2002, the Giants controlled their playoff destiny. As the white towels the Stadium distributed to the fans said, "Win and In". To amplify the intensity, the division leading Eagles were trying to stand in the way. In what can only be described as a bittersweet moment in Tiki's career, Barber persevered through adversity for arguably his gutsiest game as a pro. Against a stingy run defense, Barber rushed for 203 yards on 32 carries but coughed up three fumbles. The last of his lost fumbles came with the score tied 7-7 in the fourth quarter at the Giants 26 yard line. NFC Pro Bowl kicker David Akers had a chance to win it with a 35 yard field goal, but again the Giants were saved by the "wide right" gods. In overtime Tiki would put the ball on the ground again, but this time he was able to recover. His 29 rushing yards in the overtime period set up Matt Bryant's game winning field goal. Although this game is remembered more for his fumbles, the Giants would have had no chance in this game if not for his 203 yards on the ground as well as 73 more in receiving yards. More importantly, they got the win to get in.

2. December 17, 2005 vs. KANSAS CITY
Reaching new heights: Tiki continues record-setting 2005 with Giants single game rushing record.

In Tiki's finest season, it's only fitting that his trademark performance came in front of his home fans. Barber rushed for a Giants single-game record 220 yards (surpassing Choo Choo Roberts previous mark of 218) on 29 carries with two electrifying touchdowns. His first score came on a remarkable 41 yard scamper in which he broke several tackles and carried the final pursuit in to the end zone on his back. In the fourth quarter and only a 3 point lead, Barber struck again from 20 yards out to wrap up the scoring. From a personal standpoint, this game was easily the loudest I've ever heard Giants stadium. The outpouring of affection towards Barber was unlike anything I've ever been around at Giants Stadium. Cheers of "MVP" reigned supreme in the Stadium and Barber sure looked deserving of it that day.


1. October 30, 2005 vs. WASHINGTON
Honoring a legend: Tiki runs wild after the passing of long time owner and friend Wellington Mara.

If there's one regular season Tiki cared most about winning, you could bet your house it was this October showdown with Washington. After losing long time team owner Wellington Mara earlier in the week, the Giants were playing with heavy hearts. Barber, along with teammate Jeremy Shockey, were at the beloved owners bedside early in the week to spend some of his final moments together. Against a long time rival of Mara's, Tiki wasted no time in paying his respects. On the first play from scrimmage Barber raced 57 yards and continued his torrid pace all afternoon. He finished with a then-personal best 206 yards and two touchdowns. The final margin of 36-0 proved to be a fitting tribute to their late owner, a man whom Barber gives a lot of credit for his success. For what it meant to such a special person in his life, it is hard to imagine Tiki remembering any other game as fondly as this one.