Former Giants star Tiki Barber won’t be joining the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
The retired running back is not among the 15 modern-era finalists for induction, the Hall announced. Barber had been named one of 25 semifinalists last month.
The 48-year-old Barber, who spent all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Giants, was a first-time semifinalist, offering new hope for induction 17 years after he retired in 2006.
Barber is one of three players with at least 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards, along with Hall of Fame backs Marshall Faulk and Marcus Allen. Barber is the only player in NFL history to achieve both of those statistical milestones and record 1,000 return yards as well.
The finalists for the Hall’s class of 2024 include former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and former Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, who were this year’s other two first-time semifinalists.
Fred Taylor, who spent most of his career with the Jaguars, is the only running back among the 15 finalists. Semifinalists Eddie George and Ricky Watters did not advance in the voting.
Wide receivers Tory Holt, Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne; linebacker Patrick Willis; and defensive end Jared Allen are among the other finalists.
After being selected as a semifinalist, Barber described the recognition as “humbling.”
“It’s kind of cool,” Barber said last month on his WFAN radio show. “It’s a chance to revisit my career and have people talk about it and judge whether or not I’m a Hall of Famer.”
Barber ranks first in Giants history with 10,449 career rushing yards and second with 55 rushing touchdowns, trailing only the 60 scored by his one-time backup and eventual replacement, Brandon Jacobs.
Barber became a polarizing figure among Giants fans after retiring at age 31, notably due to his criticisms of Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. Barber heard boos when the Giants inducted him into their Ring of Honor in 2010.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Barber’s twin brother, former Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, earlier this year.
The Class of 2024, which will include between four and nine members, is set to be unveiled on Feb. 8. Former Lions coach Buddy Parker and former players Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell will also be considered after being named finalists by other committees.
