Kevan Barlow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kevan Barlow

No. 32
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1980-01-07) January 7, 1980 (age 46) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	234 lb (106 kg)
Career information
High school:	Peabody (Pittsburgh)
College:	Pittsburgh (1997–2000)
NFL Draft:	2001 / Round: 3 / Pick: 80
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (2001–2005) New York Jets (2006) Pittsburgh Steelers (2007)*
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Big East (1999)
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts: 1,022 Rushing yards: 3,984 Rushing touchdowns: 30 Receptions: 144 Receiving yards: 1,164 Receiving touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Kevan Courtney Barlow, born on January 7, 1980, is a former American football player. He played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). Kevan played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers. The San Francisco 49ers picked him in the 2001 NFL draft. He also played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kevan Barlow's Early Life and High School Football

Kevan Barlow grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He played high school football at Peabody High School. He was the star player on his team. Kevan led them to win the City League Championship three times in a row.

High School Achievements

During his time in high school, Kevan was chosen for the All-City team twice. He was also named the Pittsburgh Post Gazette City League Player of the Year. He was part of the Post Gazette Fabulous 22 team. Kevan was even picked to play in the famous Big 33 Football Classic all-star game. Some people compared him to NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin. After high school, he decided to play for the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2017, Kevan Barlow was honored. He was added to the Pittsburgh City League High School Hall of Fame.

Kevan Barlow's College Football Career

Kevan Barlow went to the University of Pittsburgh. He played football there before joining the NFL. During his college career, he ran the ball 486 times. He gained 2,324 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.

College Highlights and Records

In his junior year, Kevan was named to the All Big East team. He scored the very last touchdown at Pitt Stadium. This happened just minutes before a huge crowd rushed the field. They tore down the goal posts to celebrate.

Kevan also played in the final college game at Three Rivers Stadium. On November 24, 2000, he ran for 274 yards. He scored four touchdowns against the West Virginia Mountaineers. In that game, Kevan broke a record. He gained the most rushing yards ever against West Virginia. The old record was 216 yards, set in 1965. When he left college, he was 11th on the school's all-time scoring list. He had 144 points and three games where he ran for over 200 yards.

In 2010, Kevan was ranked among the top 10 players in the Big East for many things. This included rushing yards and touchdowns. He was also named one of the greatest running backs in the University of Pittsburgh's history. ESPN sports expert Mel Kiper Jr. listed him as a top running back for the NFL Draft. He finished his college career with 2,234 rushing yards. This placed him 7th on Pittsburgh's all-time list.

Kevan Barlow's Professional NFL Career

The San Francisco 49ers picked Kevan Barlow in the 3rd round of the 2001 NFL draft. He was the 80th player chosen overall. He signed a contract to play for them. Denver's Head Coach Mike Shanahan even said the 49ers picked "the best back in the draft." Kevan played seven seasons in the NFL. Five of those seasons were with San Francisco.

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers

Kevan Barlow started his first NFL game on December 7, 2003. This was against the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers' main running back was injured. The 49ers won that game 50–14. Kevan ran for 154 yards and scored a touchdown. Even though he only started nine games that year, he led the 49ers in rushing. He gained 1,024 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

In 2002, Kevan played in an exhibition game in Osaka, Japan. This was part of the American Bowl series. After his great 2003 season, the 49ers made him their main running back. They signed him to a long-term deal. However, Kevan had a knee injury that affected his playing. In the 2005 season, he seemed to be playing better. But another knee injury ended his season early.

Kevan played in 72 games for the 49ers. He ran for 3,614 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. He also caught the ball for 1,143 yards.

Time with the New York Jets

The New York Jets got Kevan Barlow from the 49ers on August 20, 2006. They needed a new running back. Kevan was given an honorable mention as one of the best trades in the New York Jets' history.

Kevan played in twelve games for the Jets. He started three of them. He ran for 370 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. Another knee injury caused him to stop playing. He was released from the team on February 21, 2007.

Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers

After the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't draft a running back, Kevan met with them. He signed a one-year contract on May 10, 2007. He was expected to share running-back duties with Willie Parker. However, Kevan was released on August 27, 2007. This was due to a knee injury that ended his career.

Kevan Barlow's Community Work

While playing for the 49ers, Kevan Barlow often visited San Quentin State Prison. He would talk to inmates and encourage them for their lives after prison. Kevan also spent time reading to kids at schools in San Francisco. He visited children at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

Kevan has always supported charities for children's cancer. He has worked with former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom at events to fight breast cancer. In 2012, Kevan spoke about new cancer treatments. He supported findings that folic acid could help reduce some childhood cancers.

Kevan is also a big supporter of the YMCA. He is involved in their summer camp programs and other activities for kids.

Kevan Barlow's NFL Career Statistics