Stewart Clair Barber (born June 14, 1939) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League (AFL). He also was an executive in the National Football League (NFL) for the Buffalo Bills. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Early years
Barber attended Bradford Area High School. He accepted a football scholarship from Penn State University, where he was a two-way tackle. As a senior, he received All-American honors as an offensive tackle.
Professional career
Barber was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round (27th overall) of the 1961 AFL Draft and was also selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (30th overall) of the 1961 NFL Draft. On January 8, 1961, he signed with the Bills. As a rookie, he started 14 games at outside linebacker and had 3 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
In 1962, he was moved to left tackle, protecting quarterbacks Warren Rabb, Jack Kemp and Al Dorow. He helped the team win two straight AFL Championships. In 1962, he filled in 6 games at left guard in place of an injured Billy Shaw.
Barber announced his retirement after the 1969 season. In his career he only missed one game, made first-team All-AFL two straight seasons and played in five consecutive AFL All-Star games. In 1970, he was named to the second-team American Football League All-Time Team.
Personal life
After football, he worked in the Buffalo Bills front office as a college scout, assistant general manager and vice president. On March 14, 1983, he resigned from the team.
Barber was the offensive line coach for the New York Stars and Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League in 1974, under head coach, Babe Parilli.