Hubbry Logo
Nick BarnettNick BarnettMain
Open search
Nick Barnett
Community hub
Nick Barnett
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Nick Barnett
Nick Barnett
Nick Barnett
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Nicholas Alexander Barnett (born May 27, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft. He played professionally for the Packers, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. Sidelined by an injury, he was unable to play with the Packers during their Super Bowl XLV win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Barnett was born in Barstow, California and attended Fontana A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California.[1]

College career

[edit]

Barnett attended Oregon State University, where he was a four-year letter winner for the Oregon State Beavers football team (1999–2002), starting the last three seasons at strong side linebacker. As a senior, Barnett was a first-team All-Pacific-10 Conference selection. He led the conference in tackles with 121 (62 solo). Barnett registered his single game best against the University of California in 2001 with 18 tackles (11 solo).

He majored in Business Administration and Communications.[2]

College statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP GS TK SO AS FR FC INT TFL PBU SCK PRES
1999 Oregon State Beavers 12 0 11 6 5 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0.0-0 0
2000 Oregon State Beavers 12 5 44 34 10 2–9 0 0-0 3–4 1 0.0-0 0
2001 Oregon State Beavers 11 11 73 41 32 0-0 1 1–0 6-20 4 2.0-11 5
2002 Oregon State Beavers 13 13 121 62 59 0-0 2 0-0 21–72 7 6.0-43 1
Total 48 29 249 143 106 2–9 3 1–0 30–96 12 8.0-54 6

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+5⁄8 in
(1.87 m)		 236 lb
(107 kg)		 32+1⁄4 in
(0.82 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 4.69 s 1.65 s 2.75 s 4.08 s 7.00 s 34.5 in
(0.88 m)		 10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		 32 reps
All values from NFL Combine[3]

Green Bay Packers

[edit]
Barnett with the Packers in 2006

The Green Bay Packers selected Barnett in the first round (29th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft.[4] Barnett was the third linebacker drafted in 2003, behind Terrell Suggs (10th overall) and Calvin Pace (18th overall).

On July 19, 2003, the Packers signed Barnett to five-year, $6 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3.21 million.[5] Barnett entered training camp as the 'de facto' starting middle linebacker, replacing Hardy Nickerson.[6] Head coach Mike Sherman named Barnett the starting middle linebacker to begin his rookie season. He started alongside outside linebackers Hannibal Navies and Na'il Diggs.[7]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start during the Green Bay Packers' season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings and made five combined tackles (one solo) during their 30–25 loss. On September 14, 2003, Barnett collected a season-high 14 combined tackles (12 solo), deflected one pass, and made his first career interception during a 31–6 victory against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Barnett intercepted a pass by Lions' quarterback Joey Harrington, that was originally intended for tight end Mikhael Ricks, and returned it for a 13-yard gain during the fourth quarter.[8] In Week 4, he made four combined tackles (three solo) and made his first career sack on Bears' quarterback Kordell Stewart for a five-yard loss during the first quarter of a 38–23 victory at the Chicago Bears.[9] Barnett was inactive for the Packers' Week 13 loss at the Detroit Lions after sustaining an ankle injury during a 20–10 win against the San Francisco 49ers the previous week.[10] He finished his rookie season in 2003 with 112 combined tackle (86 solo), three pass deflections, three interceptions, and two sacks in 15 games and 15 starts.[11]

The Packers finished first in the NFC North with a 10–6 record in 2003. On January 4, 2004, Barnett started in his first career playoff game and made six combined tackles (three solo) during a 33–27 overtime victory against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made five solo tackles and defended two passes as the Packers lost 20–17 at the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Round and were eliminated from the playoffs.

On April 10, 2007, Barnett signed a six-year contract extension worth $34.85 million.[12]

Barnett missed the second half of the 2008 season after suffering a torn knee ligament during November 9's game against the Minnesota Vikings.[13]

Nick Barnett and Charles Woodson at Lambeau Field.

Barnett suffered a season-ending wrist injury in a Week 4 matchup vs. the Detroit Lions. He was put on injured reserve on October 7, 2010.[14] It was the second time in three seasons that Barnett ended his season on injured reserve. As of 2018 Barnett is third in all-time tackles for the Green Bay Packers. Barnett was released on July 28, after Green Bay was unable to find a trade.[15]

Buffalo Bills

[edit]

Barnett signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Buffalo Bills on July 31, 2011.[16] On February 11, 2013, the Bills announced that Barnett would be released from his contract along with safety George Wilson.

Washington Redskins

[edit]

On July 31, 2013, Barnett agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins.[17] He switched from the outside to inside linebacker position for the Redskins' defensive scheme. On December 24, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a MCL sprain in the Week 16 game against the Dallas Cowboys.[18]

Professional statistics

[edit]
Year Team G TTkl Solo Ast Sacks Int Yds Avg Lg TD Pass Def FF FR
2003 Green Bay Packers 15 112 86 26 2 3 21 7 14 0 3 0 1
2004 Green Bay Packers 16 123 92 31 3 1 16 16 16 0 5 0 1
2005 Green Bay Packers 16 138 91 47 1 1 95 95 95 1 1 1 3
2006 Green Bay Packers 15 105 62 43 2 2 3 1.5 3 0 7 0 1
2007 Green Bay Packers 16 131 102 29 3.5 2 40 20 38 0 4 0 1
2008 Green Bay Packers 9 49 41 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
2009 Green Bay Packers 16 105 82 23 4 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0
2010 Green Bay Packers 4 24 19 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
2011 Buffalo Bills 16 130 78 52 3 3 80 27 33 1 5 1 0
2012 Buffalo Bills 16 112 72 40 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0
2013 Washington Redskins 14 12 7 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 137 1041 732 309 20.5 12 255 21 95 2 35 3 7

Personal life

[edit]

Barnett married his wife Amanda (nee: Langston) at Lambeau Field in 2008.[19]

Coaching career

[edit]

Barnett became the head coach at Del Norte High School in San Diego, California, in 2023. In his first season there, the team won the Division II CIF San Diego Section championship off of an 11-2 record. It was the first football championship in school history.[20]

Barnett and his wife, Amanda, co-founded Praxis Elite Sports Academy, a private middle school for student-athletes in San Diego.[21]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nick Barnett

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nicholas Alexander Barnett (born May 27, 1981) is an American former professional football linebacker who played eleven seasons in the (). Drafted by the in the first round (29th overall) of the out of , Barnett spent the bulk of his career with the Packers from 2003 to 2010, earning second-team honors in 2007 after recording 131 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He finished third in voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003, with 112 tackles and 3 interceptions in his debut season. Over his NFL tenure, which also included stints with the (2011–2012) and Washington Redskins (2013), Barnett amassed 1,043 combined tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions across 153 games. Although sidelined by injury during the 2010 playoffs, he received a as part of the Packers' XLV-winning team that defeated the . After retiring from the NFL, Barnett transitioned to coaching, serving as head football coach at Del Norte High School in County since 2023, where he led the team to a CIF Section title in his inaugural season. He is also the founder of Praxis Elite Sports Academy Junior Prep, a program focused on developing young athletes.

Early life and education

Early life

Nicholas Alexander Barnett was born on May 27, 1981, in Barstow, California. His early childhood unfolded in Barstow, a desert community situated near Fort Irwin, the U.S. Army's National Training Center, which fostered a military-influenced environment characterized by frequent military personnel presence and related activities. The Barnett family later relocated to Fontana, California, where he continued his upbringing. Barnett developed an early interest in football, beginning to play the sport at age eight through local youth programs in the Inland Empire region. This foundation led to his transition into organized high school athletics at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana.

High school career

Nick Barnett attended A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, California, where he played football for two seasons from 1997 to 1999 under head coach John Tyree. As a junior in 1998, Barnett excelled on both sides of the ball, playing as a and while earning first-team all-league honors in the Citrus Belt League at . In his senior year of 1999, he transitioned to and outside linebacker, recording 16 receptions for 326 yards (averaging 20.4 yards per catch) as a and securing second-team all-league recognition at linebacker. That season, Barnett contributed to a strong 9-2 record for the , showcasing his athleticism with a reported time of 4.5 seconds, a over 300 pounds, and a squat of 400 pounds. Barnett's standout performances drew attention from college recruiters, with interest from programs including Iowa State, UNLV, San Jose State, and ultimately , to which he committed as a 6-foot-1, 188-pound outside linebacker prospect. Coach Tyree regarded him as the among six Division I signees from the school. Additionally, Barnett competed in during his junior year, winning the league championship in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles (39.6 seconds) and placing second in the 110-meter high hurdles (15.4 seconds), while also throwing the discus 130 feet and 47 feet 5 inches.

College career

Oregon State Beavers

Nick Barnett enrolled at in 1999 following a standout high school career at A.B. Miller High School in . He earned four-year letterwinner status with the team from 1999 to 2002, initially arriving as an under-recruited outside linebacker prospect. As a in 1999, Barnett appeared in 12 games at linebacker, recording 11 tackles. He returned to the linebacker role in his sophomore season of 2000, contributing 44 tackles while adjusting to the defensive scheme under Dennis Erickson. By his junior year in 2001, Barnett had secured a starting spot at strongside linebacker, where he recorded 73 tackles, including six for loss, and earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 recognition for his efforts in bolstering the Beavers' run defense. In his senior campaign of 2002, Barnett emerged as a defensive leader, anchoring the front seven as the Beavers compiled an 8-5 record and advanced to the Insight Bowl, where they lost to . He led the Pac-10 conference with 121 tackles, a mark that underscored his impact on a unit that held opponents to under 20 points per game in several key victories, including a 45-24 win over rival in the Civil War game. For his standout performance, Barnett received first-team All-Pac-10 honors, highlighting his progression into one of the conference's premier linebackers.

College statistics

During his four seasons at Oregon State, Nick Barnett established himself as a key defensive contributor, with statistics highlighting his growth as a linebacker. His senior year in marked a breakout performance, where he led the Pac-10 in total tackles. The following table summarizes his year-by-year defensive statistics, focusing on tackles, sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss (TFL).
YearGames PlayedSolo TacklesAssisted TacklesTotal TacklesSacksInterceptionsForced FumblesTackles for Loss
19991265110000
2000123410440003
2001114132732116
200213625912160—20.5
Career Totals (1999–2002): 48 , 249 total tackles (143 solo, 106 assisted), 8 sacks, 1 , 1 forced fumble, 29.5 tackles for loss. Barnett's 121 total tackles in 2002 ranked ninth in Oregon State history at the time and underscored his conference-leading performance, contributing significantly to the Beavers' 8–5 record and Insight Bowl appearance.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

Nick Barnett was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. As a rookie in 2003, he quickly earned a starting role at middle linebacker, appearing in 15 games and recording 112 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, leading the team in tackles that season. His performance earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month award for October and a third-place finish in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Barnett solidified his position as the starting middle linebacker by 2004, where he again led the Packers in tackles with 123 combined stops. Throughout his Packers tenure, Barnett became a cornerstone of the defense, leading the team in tackles in five seasons: 2003, 2004, 2005 (with a career-high 139 combined tackles), 2007 (131 combined tackles), and 2009 (106 combined tackles). In 2007, he earned second-team honors after posting 131 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions, anchoring a defense that helped the Packers reach the . Barnett's consistent production continued into 2009, when he recorded four sacks, contributing to a resurgent Packers defense that advanced to the . He played a key role in the team's defensive schemes during the 2010 regular season, which propelled Green Bay to , though his contributions were limited by injury. Barnett's time with the Packers was marred by injuries, particularly in 2008 when he missed seven games due to a issue, and in 2010 when a injury sustained in Week 4 against the sidelined him for the remainder of the season, causing him to miss the playoffs and victory. Despite playing in only four games that year with 24 tackles, his earlier efforts helped build the momentum for the championship run. The Packers released Barnett on July 29, 2011, as part of roster adjustments following the 2010 championship, ending his eight-year stint with the team where he amassed 789 combined tackles, 15.5 sacks, and eight interceptions.

Buffalo Bills

After being released by the in July 2011, Nick Barnett signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the on July 31, 2011, which included $6 million in guaranteed money. The Bills sought Barnett's veteran experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes to bolster their hybrid defense under coordinator . In the 2011 season, Barnett started all 16 games at inside linebacker, recording 130 combined tackles, three interceptions (including a 31-yard return), three sacks, and one forced . He led the Bills in tackles and provided stability while recovering from a sustained with the Packers the previous year. Despite a brief ankle in early that sidelined him from one practice, Barnett returned quickly and delivered standout performances, such as two interceptions in a 31-24 win over the on October 9. Barnett remained a starter in 2012 under the same , again playing all 16 games and tallying 112 combined tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles while participating in 92% of defensive snaps. A sore right knee hampered his practice time late in the season but did not cause him to miss games, allowing him to contribute in key moments like stopping receiver on a crucial third down in a 35-34 loss on October 21. The Bills released Barnett on February 11, 2013, after he failed a linked to ongoing knee issues from the prior .

Washington Redskins

After being released by the Buffalo Bills in February 2013, Nick Barnett signed a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins on July 31, 2013, providing veteran depth at inside linebacker. Under head coach , who was entering his fourth season amid high expectations following a playoff appearance the prior year, the Redskins faced significant challenges in , including defensive inconsistencies and key injuries that contributed to a 3-13 record and last-place finish in the . Shanahan's tenure ended with his dismissal shortly after the season, as the team struggled with execution and roster management. Barnett transitioned to an inside linebacker role in the team's 3-4 defensive scheme but saw limited opportunities, appearing in 14 games primarily on special teams with 186 snaps while logging just 68 defensive snaps as a reserve behind starters like . On December 22, 2013, during a Week 16 loss to the , Barnett tore his left , leading to his placement on injured reserve the following day and effectively ending his participation in the season. This injury marked the conclusion of his 11-year NFL career, after which he retired without returning to play.

Professional statistics

Nick Barnett played in the () from 2003 to 2013, accumulating career totals of 1,043 combined tackles, 20.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries, and 2 defensive touchdowns over 153 games (139 starts). His statistics highlight a strong middle linebacker presence, particularly during his 2007 season and 2009 performance with the , where he ranked among the league's top tacklers at his position. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his regular-season defensive statistics by team:
YearTeamGames (Starts)Combined TacklesSolo TacklesAssisted TacklesSacksInterceptionsFumble RecoveriesDefensive TDs
2003Green Bay Packers15 (15)11286262.0310
2004Green Bay Packers16 (16)12392313.0110
2005Green Bay Packers16 (16)13992471.0131
2006Green Bay Packers15 (15)10561442.0210
2007Green Bay Packers16 (16)131102293.5210
2008Green Bay Packers9 (9)494180.0000
2009Green Bay Packers16 (16)10683234.0000
2010Green Bay Packers4 (4)241860.0000
2011Buffalo Bills16 (16)13078523.0301
2012Buffalo Bills16 (16)11272402.0000
2013Washington Redskins14 (0)12750.0000
Career Totals3 Teams153 (139)1,04373231120.51272
These figures position Barnett 78th in NFL history for combined tackles since official records began in , as of 2024, reflecting his consistent productivity as an inside linebacker.

Coaching career

High school coaching

In February 2023, Nick Barnett was appointed as the head football coach at Del Norte High School in , , marking his transition from a playing career in the to high school . This role followed his brief stint coaching linebackers at La Costa Canyon High School and built on his prior experience leading youth teams to championships. Barnett's first season as in 2023 proved highly successful, culminating in Del Norte's first San Diego Section Division 2 championship after defeating 21-14 in the title game. The Nighthawks finished the year with an 11-3 record, showcasing a balanced offense that amassed 418 yards in the championship contest and demonstrating Barnett's ability to elevate a program that had previously hovered around .500 finishes. In 2024, the team finished with a 7–5 record, advancing to the second round of the CIF Section Division I playoffs, where they lost to San Marcos. That year, Barnett expanded his responsibilities at Del Norte to include serving as head coach, with a particular focus on sprint events. In the 2025 season, compiled a 4–7 record as of November 2025. Drawing from his NFL background, his coaching philosophy emphasizes high-energy instruction, intensity, and a commitment to player development through fundamental techniques executed "the right way" to help athletes reach their full potential. This approach, informed by his professional experiences, prioritizes building a winning culture and passion for the game among high school athletes.

Other coaching and ventures

In 2023, Nick Barnett founded the Praxis Elite Sports Academy Junior Prep program, a curated initiative for student-athletes in grades 6-8 and above, focused on holistic youth football development through individualized and . As the founding member and leader of the academy's athletic department, Barnett draws directly from his 11-year career—spanning stints with the , , and Washington Redskins—to mentor emerging talent, emphasizing skill cultivation, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive "fraternity" environment shaped by sports. The academy's approach prioritizes not just athletic prowess but also academic integration and character development, with Barnett leveraging his experience as a first-round draft pick (No. 29 overall in 2003) and linebacker to guide young athletes toward sustainable success. In May 2025, Barnett promoted the program during a media appearance on FOX 5 's Good Morning San Diego, highlighting its role in preparing middle schoolers for competitive football while fostering . The program continued with a summer training series in 2025. Barnett's broader ventures extend his NFL-honed expertise into motivational mentoring, where he applies lessons from his professional tenure—including a Super Bowl appearance and Rookie of the Year nomination—to inspire youth beyond structured programs, promoting resilience and drawn from high-stakes gameplay. This impact is evident in his oversight of championship-level youth teams, such as the La Costa Canyon 14U squad that claimed the WestCon title, underscoring his commitment to accessible, high-impact development outside traditional school settings.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarnNi20.htm
  2. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2016/09/14/flashback-nick-barnett-lived-dream/90380464/
  3. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2023/11/28/super-bowl-champion-leads-nighthawks-to-first-section-title-in-school-history-socal-championship-game-next/
  4. https://www.praxiselite.com/about
  5. https://sportsforecaster.com/nfl/p/33476/Nick_Barnett
  6. https://sdvoyager.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-amanda-barnett-of-praxis-elite-sports-academy/
  7. https://osubeavers.com/sports/2011/11/2/208333055
  8. https://247sports.com/player/nick-barnett-74637/
  9. https://democratherald.com/sports/beavers-sports/gameday-countdown-no-7-barnett-started-linebacker-u/article_63f1a7d7-4c0b-5722-baff-c522faac72b7.html
  10. https://www.oregonlive.com/behindbeaversbeat/2010/08/oregon_state_football_all-deca_12.html
  11. https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2024/07/oregon-state-beavers-countdown-to-kickoff-at-no-42-dominant-linebacker-and-a-qbrb.html
  12. https://www.pacifictakes.com/2012/12/4/3711878/looking-back-at-the-2002-all-pac-10-team
  13. https://www.espn.com/ncf/preview03/s/oregonstate.html
  14. https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-add-barnett-to-inside-linebackers-10645550
  15. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-nick-barnett-named-nfl-rookie-of-the-month-2476290
  16. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-de-montgomery-place-lb-barnett-on-injured-reserve-2911342
  17. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-release-seven-players-5282527
  18. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-land-veteran-lb-barnett-5305985
  19. https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/6/7/3070081/nick-barnett-buffalo-bills-kelvin-sheppard
  20. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/bills-lb-barnett-misses-practice-due-to-sore-ankle
  21. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-five-takeaways-earn-victory-over-eagles-6018537
  22. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110090buf.htm
  23. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8745160/nick-barnett-buffalo-bills-expected-play-seattle-seahawks
  24. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/titans-escape-with-35-34-win-over-bills-8612761
  25. https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-cut-veterans-nick-barnett-george-wilson-0ap1000000138134
  26. https://www.thescore.com/news/158009
  27. https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/story/_/id/9527025/nick-barnett-agrees-one-year-deal-washington-redskins
  28. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10214494/washington-redskins-fire-mike-shanahan
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarnNi20/gamelog/2013
  30. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/redskins-place-nick-barnett-on-injured-reserve
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/tackles_combined_career.htm
  32. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2023/02/01/from-the-nfl-to-del-norte-nick-barnett-the-latest-pro-to-take-over-a-san-diego-high-school-football-program-2/
  33. https://www.dnfootball.com/page/show/6991651-our-coaches
  34. http://www.sdfootball.net/2023/11/2023-cif-section-champions-crowned.html
  35. https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/san-diego/del-norte-nighthawks/football/24-25/schedule/
  36. https://www.nighthawkstrack.com/meet-the-coaches
  37. https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/san-diego/del-norte-nighthawks/football/
  38. https://fox5sandiego.com/video/praxis-elite-sports-academy-junior-prep/10728041/
  39. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJF90x6vcUn/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.