Mark Barron facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mark Barron

Barron with the St. Louis Rams in 2014
No. 24, 23, 26
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1989-10-27) October 27, 1989 (age 35) Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:	St. Paul's Episcopal School (Mobile, Alabama)
College:	Alabama (2008–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
Career history
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–2014) St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2014–2018) Pittsburgh Steelers (2019) Denver Broncos (2020)
Career highlights and awards
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012) 2× BCS national champion (2009, 2011) Unanimous All-American (2011) First-team All-American (2010) Third-team All-American (2009) 3× First-team All-SEC (2009–2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 710 Sacks: 12.0 Forced fumbles: 5 Fumble recoveries: 4 Interceptions: 9 Pass deflections: 42
Player stats at PFR

Mark Barron (born October 27, 1989) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. There, he was recognized as an All-American twice and helped his team win two national championships. He was first drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a strong safety in 2012. Later, he played for the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos.

Early Life and Sports Talents

Mark Barron was born in Mobile, Alabama. He went to St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile. There, he played for the St. Paul's Saints high school football team. He played many positions, including running back, wide receiver, and linebacker.

As a junior, he ran for 785 yards and caught passes for 368 yards. He scored 12 touchdowns that year. In his senior year, he was named the MVP of the 2007 Class 5A state championship game. He rushed for 1,094 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He was also chosen as a first-team All-State player in Alabama.

Besides football, Mark was also a talented track & field athlete. In 2008, he won several state titles in different events. These included the shot put, long jump, triple jump, and discus throw. He showed great athletic ability in both football and track.

College Football Career

Mark Barron accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Alabama. He played for coach Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2008 to 2011.

Freshman Season (2008)

As a freshman in 2008, Mark first played on special teams. He made his first tackle on a kickoff return. He also recorded his first college sack against Arkansas. He played in all 14 games for Alabama, making 18 tackles and one sack.

Sophomore Season (2009)

In 2009, Mark became a starting safety. He was second on the team with 74 tackles. He also led the Southeastern Conference with seven interceptions and scored one touchdown. Against South Carolina, he returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown. He had two interceptions against Mississippi State. Alabama won the BCS National Championship that year. Mark was named a first-team All-SEC player and a third-team All-American.

Junior and Senior Seasons (2010-2011)

In 2010, Mark was the only returning starter in Alabama's defensive backfield. He finished the season with 77 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He was named an FWAA All-American.

In 2011, Mark was again a first-team All-SEC selection. He was also recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American. Alabama won another BCS National Championship that year, beating LSU 21–0. Mark had two tackles and a sack in that championship game.

College Statistics Overview

Mark's college career showed his consistent performance. He improved each year, becoming a key player for Alabama's championship teams.

NFL Career Highlights

Before the NFL Draft, experts believed Mark Barron would be a first-round pick. He was seen as one of the best strong safety prospects.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–2014)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Mark Barron as the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. This made him the highest-drafted defensive back from Alabama in school history.

In 2012, Mark signed a four-year contract with the Buccaneers. He was expected to be the starting strong safety. In a preseason game, he intercepted Tom Brady and returned it for a touchdown. He started all 16 games in his rookie season. He finished with 89 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and one interception. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.

In 2013, Mark continued as the strong safety. He had a career-high 13 tackles in one game against the New Orleans Saints. He also recorded his first career sack on Drew Brees. He finished the season with 88 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. He missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury.

In 2014, Mark played eight games for the Buccaneers. He had 49 tackles before being traded. He later said he felt "disrespected" and "blindsided" by the trade.

St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2014–2018)

In October 2014, the Buccaneers traded Mark Barron to the St. Louis Rams. He made his debut with the Rams in November 2014. He finished his nine games with the Rams that year with 23 tackles and three sacks.

In 2015, the Rams decided not to extend his contract. However, Mark had a great season. He started playing as a weakside linebacker after another player got injured. In his first start at linebacker, he made a career-high 16 tackles. He finished the season with 116 tackles, one sack, and three forced fumbles. He became a key player in his new position.

In 2016, the Los Angeles Rams (who had moved from St. Louis) signed Mark to a five-year contract. He continued as a hybrid weakside linebacker. He had a career-high 118 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack. He started all 16 games.

In 2017, Mark was named a starting inside linebacker. He had a season-high 15 tackles in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the season with 86 tackles, three interceptions, and a sack. The Rams made the playoffs that year. Mark played in his first career playoff game, making 10 tackles.

In 2018, Mark started 12 games for the Rams. He recorded a safety against the Green Bay Packers. He finished with 60 tackles and one sack. The Rams had a great season, reaching Super Bowl LIII. Mark played in the Super Bowl, making eight tackles, but the Rams lost. The Rams released him in March 2019.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2019)

Barron in a game against the Cleveland Browns

In March 2019, Mark Barron signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made his debut with the Steelers in Week 1. In Week 4, he had 11 tackles and an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the 2019 season with 82 tackles, three sacks, and an interception. The Steelers released him in March 2020.

Denver Broncos (2020)

In August 2020, Mark signed with the Denver Broncos. He was placed on injured reserve in September due to a hamstring injury. He was activated in November but was later waived by the Broncos in December 2020.

NFL Career Statistics Overview

Mark Barron played in the NFL for nine seasons. He was known for his strong tackling and ability to play both safety and linebacker.