He played college football at Cincinnati, and was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft.

As a freshman in 2005, Barwin played in all 11 games as a backup tight end, finishing with eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown.

[5] As a sophomore in 2006, Barwin played in all 13 Bearcats football games as a regular on special teams and as a backup tight end.

He also played in 22 games for the basketball team, with highs of five rebounds vs. DePaul and four points each against Providence and Villanova.

In 2008, Barwin was moved to defensive end after head coach, Brian Kelly, felt he had more potential at that position in the NFL.

[12] On October 18, 2009 Barwin recorded his first NFL sack against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.

On November 27, 2011 Barwin established a career-best 10 tackles and a new franchise record for sacks in a game with four in the Texans' 20–13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field; Mario Williams had previously held the Texans' single-game sack mark with 3.5.

[1] Barwin finished the regular season with 49 tackles, 11.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

[17] Barwin became the fourth Cincinnati Bearcat on the Eagles' roster, joining former roommate Jason Kelce and former teammate Brent Celek as well as Trent Cole.

[1] His season totals included career highs of 82 tackles, 12 passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble.

[1] A March 31, 2014 column on NJ.com previewing the NFL draft called Barwin the Eagles' "MVP of the defense, and a leader in the locker room.

[19] In a week 9 Monday Night Football matchup with the Carolina Panthers, Barwin sacked quarterback Cam Newton 3.5 times, totaling 10.5 on the season.

[30] On January 17, 2020, Barwin returned to the Eagles as a special assistant to general manager Howie Roseman.