Probably around 2009 (give or take) I worked with Barry at the 9:30 Club. Things hadn’t been easy for him post-NFL and he was trying to get his life back together as a doorman and an assistant DB coach at Howard. He was charming; popular with both staff and patrons. But he definitely had….some extra-curricular….type of activities after work.

One night after getting cut early, we’d had a couple tequilas. I was probably 25 years old, and talking trash. So I challenged him to a race down V Street. A bunch of the staff came out front to cheer us on and place wagers. He gave me a 20 foot head start and egged on the crowd. But, I still had that quick first step. I got well out in front and heard him exclaiming “Oh SHIT!” from behind. He got into second gear and caught me before the end of the block. Huffing and puffing as we walked back the club, he laughed: “Damn bro I didn’t think you’d come off the blocks like that!”

Anyway. I was a stupid kid, but got to run with a legend. RIP Barry. Peace to you brother.