TAMPA, Fla. -- When Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Peyton Barber crossed the goal line Sunday to seal the Bucs' 34-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers, it meant so much more than just a first NFL touchdown. The 44-yard run was validation for an uncertain journey, one he was willing to take in hopes of a better life.
Barber wasn't projected to be a high draft pick coming out of Auburn, despite rushing for 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns, but opted to declare early after his sophomore season anyway.