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114. Erich Barnes

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Erich Barnes came out of Purdue when the Chicago Bears drafted him in 1958.  The Cornerback played there for three seasons and went to the Pro Bowl in 1959.  After that, Barnes had the best run of his career: he played for the New York Giants for four years, earned Pro Bowl selections each year, and made First Team All-Pro in 1961.  Barnes would later earn his sixth Pro Bowl with the Cleveland Browns.  Barnes was known for his physical style of play and his ability to come back for run defense.

Overall, he would have 45 Interceptions in his career.

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The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Elkhart, Indiana, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1977
  • Position: Cornerback
  • Games Played: 177
  • Notable Statistics: 164 Games Started
    45 Interceptions
    853 Interception Return Yards
    7 Interception Return Touchdowns
    12 Fumble Recoveries
    48 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    2 Receptions
    74 Receiving Yards
    1 Receiving Touchdown
    1 Punt Return
    0 Punt Return Yards
    2 Kick Returns
    0 Kick Return Yards
    93 Approximate Value*

    9 Playoff Games
    8 Playoff Games Started
    1 Interception
    2 Interception Return Yards
    2 Fumble Recoveries
    9 Fumble Recovery Return Yards

    *Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of the 1960 Season.
  • Played For: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants
  • College: Purdue
  • Drafted: 4th Round, 42nd Overall in 1958
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    First Team All-Pro Selection (1961)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1959 & 1962)
    Pro Bowl Selection (1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 & 1968)
    Most Interception Return Yards (1961)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1961)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recoveries (1) (1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recovery Yards (1) (1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (3) (1959, 1961 & 1962)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interception Return Yards (3) (1958, 1961 & 1966)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 20. Interception Return Yards: 853
    57. Interceptions: 45
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Erich Barnes be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 85%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 15%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Monday, 21 September 2026 15:09

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