Many Jacksonville Jaguars fans know Bryan Barker as the All-Pro punter who often pinned opposing teams back inside their own 20-yard-line during the Jags’ first six seasons. But even those who are well-versed in the team’s history may not realize that Barker, who had a prolific career with six teams over sixteen seasons, was born just a few blocks away from his current home in Atlantic Beach.
After leaving Jacksonville in 2001, Barker kept his home by the beach and moved back to Jacksonville full-time after retiring in 2006 at the age of 42. I caught up with the oldest original Jacksonville Jaguar on his post-playing career, his work with the Jaguars’ organization and their alumni, what it was like to play for Tom Coughlin, his close relationship with Doug Pederson, why he decided to stay in Jax, and why lineman shouldn’t mess around with special teamers.