1. What challenges did you face through your career and how did you conquer them?
—Stefania, 13

Tiki Barber: I faced many challenges, overcoming some injuries, strong competition for my job, ball security and fumbling, etc. I found that I was able to overcome them all by following two quotes that I hold dear to myself. First of all [by] believing in myself, because as my mom always told me, "If you don't believe in yourself, then no one else will either." Secondly, by listening to my critics. Ben Franklin once said, "Our critics are our friends, because they show us our faults." This allowed me to fully understand what I needed to correct, then with help from peers and coaches, I was able to ultimately succeed.

2. What are some of the most memorable moments during your career?
—Sarah, 13

Tiki Barber: I have a lot of memorable moments. A few that jump to the forefront are winning the [National Football Conference] Championship against the Minnesota Vikings in Giants Stadium, it was a perfect game for us. Also, having a career day in 2005 on the day that our organization was honoring the passing of our owner Wellington Mara. I rushed for 206 yards and scored a touchdown for his grandson who is a great friend. It was a very fitting way for me to say thank you to such a great man and his family. Lastly, I would say my last regular season game of this season (2006) and of my career. We needed a win to advance to the playoff and I was fortunate and blessed enough to have a career day—234 yards and 3 touchdowns—that gave us a win over the Redskins.

3. Where did you learn to play football?
—Lilly, 8

Tiki Barber: I learned to play football from watching my idols on TV, like Walter Payton and Bo Jackson, and also from a line of great little league, junior, and high school coaches who were like father figures to me.

4. How did you make it to the NFL?
—Alison, 12

Tiki Barber: I made it to the NFL by being a standout player at the University of Virginia, where I also got my Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce (MIS). It was in large part due to hard work and sacrifice for something that I had a great passion for, then being prepared to take advantage of the opportunities when they were presented to me.

5. If you hadn't played football, what job would you like to have had?
—Toby, 10

Tiki Barber: If I hadn't played football, I probably would be a computer programmer right now. I concentrated in management information systems when I was in college at UVA.

6. Who inspired you?
—Donte, 11

Tiki Barber: I was inspired most by my mother and my brother. My mother because she is brilliant and always challenged me to be the best in everything that I pursued. My brother because we were always so competitive with each other, in a good way, that we pushed each other to very high limits and standards of excellence.

7. What advice do you have for younger players who want to play football in college and in the National Football League?
—Marshall, 12

Tiki Barber: My advice to younger players would be to focus on the academic side of the equation. If you are a good enough athlete, you will have a chance to play; however, it is the mental side of the game that often separates those who make it and those who don't. It takes a great deal of comprehension and quick analytical prowess to master the details of the NFL. Even though people don't realize it, schoolwork and tests are a great training ground for what it takes to succeed as a professional in any job, even professional football. As a case in point, I use an advanced form of physics, biomechanics, all the time when I'm running the ball: force = mass X acceleration. I weigh 200 pounds, so when a 250-pound linebacker is running at me to tackle me and I can't get out of the way, what is the only way I can match his force and stay on my feet?

8. Why are you always smiling?
—David, 12

Tiki Barber: I am always smiling because I love what I do for a living and know that I am very fortunate to have been given all the opportunities in my life. Also, I find that when I smile, other people smile too, and no one can argue that that isn't a good thing.

9. Did you ever imagine that you would be a celebrity?
—Brittany, 11

Tiki Barber: Ralph Waldo Emerson says "Each man is a hero and oracle to somebody." If you do your job well, you will be celebrated. I just happen to have a job that a lot of people watch, so that is what makes me a "celebrity." A lot of people do their jobs well, [such as] your mom/dad, teacher, whoever, and they are justifiably celebrated too.

10. How did you get into writing children's books?
—Max, 13

Tiki Barber: My brother and I started writing children's books because we know our greatest power is that of influence and one thing that is near and dear to us is education—reading in particular. We know that we have great messages to relay from our experiences as athletes, and books were the best way to express them. If kids pick up a book because they recognize the authors, enjoy [it], and it starts them on a life-long quest and love for reading, then that will make us supremely happy.









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