After playing college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Barber attended Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota,[2] and was a standout in football, baseball, and track.

During his last season with the Trojans, Barber amassed 1,778 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns and led his team with 10 interceptions (three of which came against Gatorade National Player of the Year and future Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer).

In his first and only track season, Barber qualified for the 2001 Minnesota State Class AA Championships in the 100 meters.

Along with his pass-blocking and special teams abilities, this solidified his position as the backup running back for the Cowboys.

[10] Although he was the backup to Julius Jones in 2006, Barber found a niche as a third-down rusher and a closer of games, emerging as an excellent red-zone running back.

[18] During the 2009 season, the emergence of Tashard Choice and Felix Jones, and injury problems limited his success.

[22] Barber beat out Chester Taylor for the Chicago Bears' second string running back position after Matt Forte.

He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year of probation, 60 hours of community service, and a $2,000 fine in April 2022.