He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft and also played for the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans.

Ruud also played halfback and set school career records with 2,988 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns.

On October 10, 2012, Ruud was signed by the Houston Texans, to provide depth at linebacker after the injury to defensive star Brian Cushing.

His mother Jaime Ruud died of a massive heart attack on June 30, 2006, while vacationing with family in northern Minnesota.

[8] Barrett hosts an annual summer football camp at Warner University for children ages 7–18.