On a football field, he is the last person you want to see.
In the way he hits, the passion he brings and level of focus he has, it’s a no-brainer as to why Mark Barron is regarded as one of the better hybrid players in the National Football League.
Now in his third season and second stint with the Los Angeles Rams, the former University of Alabama safety is well on his way to a third straight year of posting 100 tackles. He currently leads the team in that category with 72 stops – including four for loss and three interceptions.
While he has been one of the pivotal components behind the Rams’ 7-3 record and on course for the playoffs, the bone-crushing defender from Mobile (Ala.) has a caring side to him that few people have observed.
Despite his playing days for the Crimson Tide ending in 2012, Barron stayed connected with former teammate Chris Rogers and his business, Together Assisting People, which is one of the largest and most productive non-profit ventures in the state of Alabama.
With TAP, Barron has helped mentor a number of youth into being strong-minded and character-driven people of society. He’s volunteered on quite a few projects with Rogers during in his down time; however, last weekend saw his influence in full effect for his hometown.
Mark Barron’s mother, Michelle, holding a key to the city of Prichard, Ala., after Thanksgiving turkey giveaway: Photo via Chris Rogers of TAP
Citizens of Prichard, Ala., that came to the Barron’s Thanksgiving turkey giveaway: Photo via Chris Rogers of TAP
Although he was in Minnesota over the weekend, Barron’s mother – Michelle Barron – carried out her son’s vision by hosting a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at Prichard (Ala.) Hall.
Prichard, a city that is five miles north of Mobile, witnessed a family and team provide over 1,000 turkeys for the holiday season, as well as entertainment for all the youth involved.
Wearing both smiles and Rams shirts with No. 26 on the back, Mrs. Barron would be joined by a host of others – including Rogers in making sure each household was well attended to.
For his efforts in the community, Barron and his mother received a key to the city from Jimmy Gardner; the mayor of Prichard. Before taking the field as a five-star safety at Alabama or linebacker in the NFL, Barron’s road to greatness started at St. Paul’s Episcopal High School.
Michelle Barron, Mark Barron’s mother, with family, friends and members of Together Assisting People for Thanksgiving giveaway: Photo via Chris Rogers
“Mark is the type of person that does not like a lot of people to know what he’s doing,” Chris Rogers said to yours truly in an interview. “This is something he really wanted to do and to see him and his mom get the key to a city is a good look for what he does off the field.”
Along with taking joy in the event, Mayor Gardner took time to address his gratitude toward Barron and his family in an opening statement prior to Mrs. Barron getting the key to Prichard.
“This is an exciting day for Prichard,” Gardner said.
“Mark has always been a leader on and off the field. Today, he did something that has never been done before. He gave so much to our community. We’re just so grateful that he and his family saw a need and responded to the citizens. This Thanksgiving is going to be a great time for everybody.”
A common denominator that Rogers and Barron both share, aside from being competitive, is Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban. He taught both players that life truly starts when the lights come off on the gridiron.
Regardless of the affection that fans and national media have for big plays, touchdowns and defense, Saban’s ideal of being a man is reaching the ones you love.
Michelle Barron providing family members with turkeys: Photo via Chris Rogers
“Mark wants to bring the city back and highlight the positives,” Rogers said per a press release.
“His mother instilled in him the value of giving back – he’s been blessed and he wants to pay it forward. Mark wants the people to know that he hasn’t forgotten about them. Coach Saban taught us to pay it forward and leave a legacy. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t receive credit for this.”
Barron has accomplished success in every part of his life thus far.
He was a standout running back in high school for a Class 5A state championship. At Alabama, he was twice named first team All-American (2010-11) and was awarded first team All-SEC three times (2009-11).
A first round pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, Barron would collect two BCS national championships and a conference title ring – before getting selected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Things did not turn out the way he would have liked at Tampa Bay; nevertheless, he appears to be happy in Los Angeles and has started to change the culture of the franchise. No matter how much he may grow at his profession, the 27-year-old knows he can always come home.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
