Rodrigo Barnes facts for kids

Rodrigo DeTriana Barnes (born February 10, 1950 – died May 2023) was an American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Oakland Raiders. Before becoming a professional, he played college football for the Rice Owls.

Early Life and College Football

Rodrigo Barnes was born in 1950 in Waco, Texas. He went to Carver High School, which was a school mainly for Black students at that time. He was a great football player there, earning special honors, and also competed in track.

He earned a football scholarship to Rice University. When he started, he was one of only four African-American players on the team. In his second year, he became the starting middle linebacker. However, he had some trouble with his grades, which meant he couldn't play during the 1970 season.

As a junior, Barnes made history by becoming the first African-American player to be named to the All-SWC defensive team. This was a big achievement! In his final year, he faced some challenges with injuries, including a knee injury.

While at Rice, Rodrigo was also very active off the field. He helped start the Black Student Union. He worked to encourage the university to hire more African-American teachers and coaches. His efforts were well-known on campus. In 2011, he was honored by being added to the Rice Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professional Football Career

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys chose Rodrigo Barnes in the seventh round of the 1973 NFL Draft. Some teams were hesitant to draft him because of his strong beliefs and activism in college. However, his amazing athletic skills helped him become only the second African-American linebacker to join the Cowboys team.

Barnes was a versatile player who could play different linebacker roles. He also played a key part on special teams, which are plays like kickoffs and punts. In the 1973 preseason, he had some memorable moments. In one game, he helped stop a star player, Larry Csonka, three times in a row near the goal line. In another game, he made 11 tackles!

Later, his relationship with the Cowboys became difficult. He felt that he wasn't getting enough playing time or a fair salary. He left training camp and was eventually released by the team in November 1974.

New England Patriots (First Time)

Right after leaving the Cowboys, Rodrigo was picked up by the New England Patriots in November 1974.

Charlotte Hornets (WFL)

In 1975, Barnes played for the Charlotte Hornets in a different league called the World Football League. However, that league stopped playing games halfway through the 1975 season.

New England Patriots (Second Time)

Rodrigo signed with the New England Patriots again in 1975. But he was released after playing only one game that season.

Miami Dolphins

In November 1975, the Miami Dolphins signed him as a free agent. This means he was not under contract with any team and could sign with any team he wanted. In April 1976, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals released him in September 1976.

Oakland Raiders

On November 15, 1976, the Oakland Raiders signed Rodrigo Barnes. They needed linebackers because some of their players were injured. He became part of the team that won Super Bowl XI! He mostly played on special teams for the Raiders.

Barnes decided to retire from football in 1977. He had suffered many injuries during his career, which made it hard to keep playing.

Later Life and Passing

After his football career, Rodrigo Barnes went back to school. He earned a master's degree in education. He then worked as an assistant principal at a high school in the Dallas area.

Rodrigo Barnes passed away in May 2023, at the age of 73.