(21st in a Series)
Where Are They Now? Gopher Safety Dominique ("Dom") Barber, 2004-2007
Dominique (“Dom”) Barber, from Wayzata High School in the Twin Cities western suburbs, committed to Minnesota as a RB/DB in the recruiting class of 2004. Rivals ranked him a 5.6, 3-star recruit. He made an early commitment, in September of his senior year in high school, the 3rd (of 4) from his family to play for Minnesota. His father, Marion Barber Jr., played RB for Minnesota from 1977-1980, and played in the NFL for 8 years. His brother, Marion Barber III, who started his Gopher RB career 3 years prior to Dominique’s arrival on campus, had a 7-year NFL career, mostly with the Dallas Cowboys. Younger brother Thomas is currently a junior at Minnesota, and a starter at inside linebacker.
After playing both offense and defense in high school, Dominique played exclusively on the defensive side of the ball at Minnesota, playing in 46 games as a 6’0”, 200 lb. safety from 2004-2007. He was one of only three Gophers to letter as a freshman in 2004. He finished his Gopher career with 191 total tackles, including 128 solos, 4 interceptions, and 2 defensive TDs. In 2007 he led the B1G with 71 solo tackles, and was 2nd in the conference with 8 passes defended.
Dom was drafted by the Houston Texans in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft (No. 173 overall), after the Baltimore Ravens traded three draft picks to Houston for the 1st Round pick that the Ravens used to select Joe Flacco. Dom played 4 seasons with the Texans, from 2008 to 2011, playing in 39 games and starting 7.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 11 years removed from your Gopher football career, and 9 years removed from the NFL? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
I feel pretty decent. Of course, its part of the game we play. I will for the most part have knee/foot pain/nags simply because of the surgeries that were performed. My head is great. With all the talks around CTE the NFL is at least making an effort to do better, and I believe if you play 2 or more years in the NFL you have the opportunity to get your brain and body scanned. Of course, I take advantage of that and went last week. My scans came back clean so that’s always a great feeling. All in all, football is what it is - its physical; I signed up for it and I will accept any and all things that happen.
2. Were you a Gopher football fan growing up? What are your first Gopher football memories? Are there any particular players (Gophers or otherwise) you tried to pattern your game after?
I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb a Gopher fan. I’ve always loved the Gophers and never had time for any other college. I can remember my dad throwing on his tape and Marion and I pretending to be Gophers. At the age of, I’m not sure, but super young, I was a huge Tutu Atwell fan. He was so exciting to watch and you never knew what would happen when he got the ball in his hands.
3. Describe your college recruitment process, who recruited you, and how you made the decision to play for the Gophers. As a “legacy recruit”, with your dad and your brother MBIII preceding you at Minnesota, did you ever consider going somewhere else?
Coach Shaw recruited me and I don’t think it was very hard. I was offered my Junior year sometime and I’m pretty sure when he call and offered, I was on cloud nine and told him I will call him back soon…….. I ran upstairs told my parents and called him back 5 minutes later and committed. I always wanted to be a Gopher so what was the point in waiting. I even told my high school Coach, Brad Anderson, that if you get any mail for me recruiting wise you can toss it - I don’t want to see it - I’m a Gopher. So I was never really recruited to my knowledge and I’ve never asked Coach A if any recruiting mail ever came.
4. I believe you played 3 years under HC Glen Mason and your final year under Tim Brewster. What is your favorite Coach Mason story? Coach Brewster?
Freshmen year, first team meeting Coach says: "look to the left, look to the right, look around you, maybe one or two of you will make it to the NFL. Get your degree and if you happen to make it, that's a bonus….. Now that that’s done, welcome to camp". I’ll never forget that and when I was working for Gopher football I would also preach that because it really is true.
5. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
It’s the relationships you build. William Van De Steeg was my best man in my wedding as was I in his. My 2004 class was pretty close, at least the ones that made it all 4/5years. I think 10 or 15 haha.. (Its hard) We all keep in contact, we all went to each other's weddings. It’s a special bond you build in the years and continue to gROW moving forward. (You see what I did there)
6. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
I’ve always lived with a short memory, right. Life is short; it is a blessing to play the game I played for so many years at a high level. But to answer the question Wisconsin 2005 was hard. But then so was every other Wisconsin 2004/05/06/07. There's something about that team to the East that I can’t stand. In Houston I played with Owen Daniels and JJ Watt; those guys gave it to me every year we played. But they could, I’m hoping for a change.
[SPOILER ALERT- Gophs pummel Badgers 37-15)
7. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
2005 Michigan. Fun win at the Big House. 114,000 fans quiet was something I’ll never forget.
8. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
Now that I’m in the corporate world, I’m grateful that I played sports. Playing in the NFL, if you weren't accountable, on time, respectful, responsible, and on and on, you would get cut. Obviously, your play is important as well, but there are a lot of other factors. I was a community guy, not because I had to but because I wanted to. Still to this day I make an effort to be in the community to make some sort of difference.
9. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I’m probably the biggest fan. I love my Gophers, my OARs are in the water. Not because they have to be but because I want them to be. You can’t control what goes on or who is running the ship. But you can be supportive, and I am very supportive. I was able to work for a brief moment with the current staff so I feel a part of them and I’m fully vested in the success of the program. I’m not sure how you can’t be positive. Yes, I know things are hard but what does negativity bring? Nothing! Minnesota media has always for the most part been pretty negative for all Minnesota teams. Yes, we want championship rings, but it blows my mind the jabs people throw at organizations. Do you really think Gophers/Vikings/Twins/Wild/Lynx and every other team we have here aren’t doing everything they can to bring home a ring? I understand that’s part of the job and media has to be realistic and lay out the facts. But for me, I am as positive as they come. So Row the Dam Boat!
10. Did you get your degree from the U of M? What was your field of study?
I go back to Coach Mason advice: get your degree. I didn’t when I was in college. I didn’t redshirt, which to this day I still wish I would have. Anyway, I didn’t handle school like I should have to be honest, I was young in college and free. I loved football not school. I’m not proud of that and I will teach my kids to be different but that what I was about. After my 4th season I didn’t go back in the spring, I opted to go train in FL to get ready for the NFL combine. Of course I'm glad I did that because it worked out. But, my NFL ("not for long") career ended sooner than expected. So thankfully the U has a wonderful program where they hold your scholarship forever. So I was able to join coach Kill's staff as a volunteer as well as go back to school and finish my degree in Communications. Kill promised when I got my degree he would get me something full time and that’s exactly what he did.
11. Your Linkedin page indicates you work as an Account Manager for Forsythe Technology. Please describe what this position involves and what Forsythe’s business is.
Forsythe,now Sirius, is an IT solutions integrator. We cover everything from hardware to software and anything in between. We do security, cloud, managed services, finance IOT, you name it, it's really fun actually. I love going into prospects/customers and learning about their environments, understanding their environment and seeing how we can help. I’m the relationship guy, we have tons of local and national resources that can get in the weeds of things, but it fun for me to learn and listen especially going from athletics to information technology. So if you need IT help, I’m the guy that can get you in front of the right people. Dominique.Barber@siriuscom.com – I think you can tell I’m on the sales side.
12. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share?
I’m proud of what my little brother is doing out there on the field and in the community. He will graduate this spring and still have a full season to play. Other than that, my wife and I have 3 little ones. Our twins are 3 and we have a 19-month-old, so home is busy but it’s a lot of fun. Boy/girl twins and another boy.
13. Have you maintained relationships with any of your NFL teammates since leaving the league?
Certainly, like college those relationship can’t be broken.
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
I talk with someone on the staff at least every other week. They must be sick of me to be honest, but I love to be involved and I want to help if I can. I was texting coach Rossi last week and how happy I was for him. Coach Simon and I have known each other for a while now and I have so much respect for him. I text coach Fleck as well, again I go back to I’m a fan. Of course, how can you not support the school you played for no matter who the coach is. It's great that they respond right away, and I know I can go on campus and be welcomed. That’s what its all about IMO. F.A.M.I.L.Y Forget about me I love you.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
No tatts for me. Never could figure out what I wanted on my body the rest of my life.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
@34dombarber (Twitter) db2334 (Instagram)
17. Who was/is your funniest teammate on the Gophers?
Everyone has their time. Like I mentioned a few questions back, we had a great group in that 2004 class. I can say we had a good time.
18. Are you currently involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
With three little ones, the coaching option has been hard. But my DC at Wayzata is the head coach at Maple Grove and has thrown out the question. I think in the next year or two if that is still floating around I will get back into coaching. I live in MG so it makes sense. Don’t tell Wayzata.
19. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If you had/have kids just starting out in sports, would you encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
My boys see football pretty much every day. Its funny, my 3-year-old wants to watch Uncle Bubba football games over cartoons. I don’t know, that’s a tough question that I could get really deep in, but the reality of it is, it’s a physical game and things can happen. I think football is making an effort to make the game safer but its always going to be violent. Teach how to tackle the proper way early on - coaching has a lot to do with what is going on out there at a young age. If my kids want to play, they will have to take that up with Momma, however if they end up playing, I’ll at least be around to help teach the proper way. No offense to any coaches out there, I just think it starts early. Hockey, lacrosse, soccer, are all sports that can also produce concussions. Just saying. It’s the hits you don’t see or know about that are the worst!
20. Tell us about something exciting/unusual/inspiring you’ve done since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, learning the banjo, etc.).
I have traveled to a few places that I will never forget. Rio/Sao Paulo, Brazil for Carnival. That was incredible, the history to be apart of the was something I’ll never forget.
21. What are you most passionate about?
Big on giving back to the community. Making an effort to make an impact on kids lives. Something about doing the right thing all the time is big for me. Faith - I’m a man of God, I believe God has blessed me with a lot and I am beyond grateful for that. My family, they keep me going, my wife and kids are my rock! I grind and do what I do for my family!
22. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
My biggest love is hockey. I grew up playing hockey and that’s probably my favorite sport. I love golf which probably goes in with hockey.
23. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team?
Keep rowing the boat. I understand that as a head coach fans look at wins and losses - which they should. But fans should also recognize that the players continue to do great thing in the classroom/community/etc. They are getting better on the field too. My senior year we went 1-11 and I was playing with 3 true freshmen DB’s. It's really hard, really hard. These kids are 17/18 years old and were just at prom a few months ago. Now they're playing against 21/22-year-old men. Not only that, they have school, lifting, study hall, all this in a few short months. They need time, and you have to give Coach Fleck a chance and believe. But to be honest I don’t worry about everyone else and what they think or say. Coach Fleck is my coach now and my OARs are in the water! Period.
Where Are They Now? Gopher Safety Dominique ("Dom") Barber, 2004-2007
Dominique (“Dom”) Barber, from Wayzata High School in the Twin Cities western suburbs, committed to Minnesota as a RB/DB in the recruiting class of 2004. Rivals ranked him a 5.6, 3-star recruit. He made an early commitment, in September of his senior year in high school, the 3rd (of 4) from his family to play for Minnesota. His father, Marion Barber Jr., played RB for Minnesota from 1977-1980, and played in the NFL for 8 years. His brother, Marion Barber III, who started his Gopher RB career 3 years prior to Dominique’s arrival on campus, had a 7-year NFL career, mostly with the Dallas Cowboys. Younger brother Thomas is currently a junior at Minnesota, and a starter at inside linebacker.
After playing both offense and defense in high school, Dominique played exclusively on the defensive side of the ball at Minnesota, playing in 46 games as a 6’0”, 200 lb. safety from 2004-2007. He was one of only three Gophers to letter as a freshman in 2004. He finished his Gopher career with 191 total tackles, including 128 solos, 4 interceptions, and 2 defensive TDs. In 2007 he led the B1G with 71 solo tackles, and was 2nd in the conference with 8 passes defended.
Dom was drafted by the Houston Texans in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL draft (No. 173 overall), after the Baltimore Ravens traded three draft picks to Houston for the 1st Round pick that the Ravens used to select Joe Flacco. Dom played 4 seasons with the Texans, from 2008 to 2011, playing in 39 games and starting 7.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 11 years removed from your Gopher football career, and 9 years removed from the NFL? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
I feel pretty decent. Of course, its part of the game we play. I will for the most part have knee/foot pain/nags simply because of the surgeries that were performed. My head is great. With all the talks around CTE the NFL is at least making an effort to do better, and I believe if you play 2 or more years in the NFL you have the opportunity to get your brain and body scanned. Of course, I take advantage of that and went last week. My scans came back clean so that’s always a great feeling. All in all, football is what it is - its physical; I signed up for it and I will accept any and all things that happen.
2. Were you a Gopher football fan growing up? What are your first Gopher football memories? Are there any particular players (Gophers or otherwise) you tried to pattern your game after?
I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb a Gopher fan. I’ve always loved the Gophers and never had time for any other college. I can remember my dad throwing on his tape and Marion and I pretending to be Gophers. At the age of, I’m not sure, but super young, I was a huge Tutu Atwell fan. He was so exciting to watch and you never knew what would happen when he got the ball in his hands.
3. Describe your college recruitment process, who recruited you, and how you made the decision to play for the Gophers. As a “legacy recruit”, with your dad and your brother MBIII preceding you at Minnesota, did you ever consider going somewhere else?
Coach Shaw recruited me and I don’t think it was very hard. I was offered my Junior year sometime and I’m pretty sure when he call and offered, I was on cloud nine and told him I will call him back soon…….. I ran upstairs told my parents and called him back 5 minutes later and committed. I always wanted to be a Gopher so what was the point in waiting. I even told my high school Coach, Brad Anderson, that if you get any mail for me recruiting wise you can toss it - I don’t want to see it - I’m a Gopher. So I was never really recruited to my knowledge and I’ve never asked Coach A if any recruiting mail ever came.
4. I believe you played 3 years under HC Glen Mason and your final year under Tim Brewster. What is your favorite Coach Mason story? Coach Brewster?
Freshmen year, first team meeting Coach says: "look to the left, look to the right, look around you, maybe one or two of you will make it to the NFL. Get your degree and if you happen to make it, that's a bonus….. Now that that’s done, welcome to camp". I’ll never forget that and when I was working for Gopher football I would also preach that because it really is true.
5. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
It’s the relationships you build. William Van De Steeg was my best man in my wedding as was I in his. My 2004 class was pretty close, at least the ones that made it all 4/5years. I think 10 or 15 haha.. (Its hard) We all keep in contact, we all went to each other's weddings. It’s a special bond you build in the years and continue to gROW moving forward. (You see what I did there)
6. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
I’ve always lived with a short memory, right. Life is short; it is a blessing to play the game I played for so many years at a high level. But to answer the question Wisconsin 2005 was hard. But then so was every other Wisconsin 2004/05/06/07. There's something about that team to the East that I can’t stand. In Houston I played with Owen Daniels and JJ Watt; those guys gave it to me every year we played. But they could, I’m hoping for a change.
[SPOILER ALERT- Gophs pummel Badgers 37-15)
7. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
2005 Michigan. Fun win at the Big House. 114,000 fans quiet was something I’ll never forget.
8. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
Now that I’m in the corporate world, I’m grateful that I played sports. Playing in the NFL, if you weren't accountable, on time, respectful, responsible, and on and on, you would get cut. Obviously, your play is important as well, but there are a lot of other factors. I was a community guy, not because I had to but because I wanted to. Still to this day I make an effort to be in the community to make some sort of difference.
9. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I’m probably the biggest fan. I love my Gophers, my OARs are in the water. Not because they have to be but because I want them to be. You can’t control what goes on or who is running the ship. But you can be supportive, and I am very supportive. I was able to work for a brief moment with the current staff so I feel a part of them and I’m fully vested in the success of the program. I’m not sure how you can’t be positive. Yes, I know things are hard but what does negativity bring? Nothing! Minnesota media has always for the most part been pretty negative for all Minnesota teams. Yes, we want championship rings, but it blows my mind the jabs people throw at organizations. Do you really think Gophers/Vikings/Twins/Wild/Lynx and every other team we have here aren’t doing everything they can to bring home a ring? I understand that’s part of the job and media has to be realistic and lay out the facts. But for me, I am as positive as they come. So Row the Dam Boat!
10. Did you get your degree from the U of M? What was your field of study?
I go back to Coach Mason advice: get your degree. I didn’t when I was in college. I didn’t redshirt, which to this day I still wish I would have. Anyway, I didn’t handle school like I should have to be honest, I was young in college and free. I loved football not school. I’m not proud of that and I will teach my kids to be different but that what I was about. After my 4th season I didn’t go back in the spring, I opted to go train in FL to get ready for the NFL combine. Of course I'm glad I did that because it worked out. But, my NFL ("not for long") career ended sooner than expected. So thankfully the U has a wonderful program where they hold your scholarship forever. So I was able to join coach Kill's staff as a volunteer as well as go back to school and finish my degree in Communications. Kill promised when I got my degree he would get me something full time and that’s exactly what he did.
11. Your Linkedin page indicates you work as an Account Manager for Forsythe Technology. Please describe what this position involves and what Forsythe’s business is.
Forsythe,now Sirius, is an IT solutions integrator. We cover everything from hardware to software and anything in between. We do security, cloud, managed services, finance IOT, you name it, it's really fun actually. I love going into prospects/customers and learning about their environments, understanding their environment and seeing how we can help. I’m the relationship guy, we have tons of local and national resources that can get in the weeds of things, but it fun for me to learn and listen especially going from athletics to information technology. So if you need IT help, I’m the guy that can get you in front of the right people. Dominique.Barber@siriuscom.com – I think you can tell I’m on the sales side.
12. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share?
I’m proud of what my little brother is doing out there on the field and in the community. He will graduate this spring and still have a full season to play. Other than that, my wife and I have 3 little ones. Our twins are 3 and we have a 19-month-old, so home is busy but it’s a lot of fun. Boy/girl twins and another boy.
13. Have you maintained relationships with any of your NFL teammates since leaving the league?
Certainly, like college those relationship can’t be broken.
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
I talk with someone on the staff at least every other week. They must be sick of me to be honest, but I love to be involved and I want to help if I can. I was texting coach Rossi last week and how happy I was for him. Coach Simon and I have known each other for a while now and I have so much respect for him. I text coach Fleck as well, again I go back to I’m a fan. Of course, how can you not support the school you played for no matter who the coach is. It's great that they respond right away, and I know I can go on campus and be welcomed. That’s what its all about IMO. F.A.M.I.L.Y Forget about me I love you.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
No tatts for me. Never could figure out what I wanted on my body the rest of my life.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
@34dombarber (Twitter) db2334 (Instagram)
17. Who was/is your funniest teammate on the Gophers?
Everyone has their time. Like I mentioned a few questions back, we had a great group in that 2004 class. I can say we had a good time.
18. Are you currently involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
With three little ones, the coaching option has been hard. But my DC at Wayzata is the head coach at Maple Grove and has thrown out the question. I think in the next year or two if that is still floating around I will get back into coaching. I live in MG so it makes sense. Don’t tell Wayzata.
19. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If you had/have kids just starting out in sports, would you encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
My boys see football pretty much every day. Its funny, my 3-year-old wants to watch Uncle Bubba football games over cartoons. I don’t know, that’s a tough question that I could get really deep in, but the reality of it is, it’s a physical game and things can happen. I think football is making an effort to make the game safer but its always going to be violent. Teach how to tackle the proper way early on - coaching has a lot to do with what is going on out there at a young age. If my kids want to play, they will have to take that up with Momma, however if they end up playing, I’ll at least be around to help teach the proper way. No offense to any coaches out there, I just think it starts early. Hockey, lacrosse, soccer, are all sports that can also produce concussions. Just saying. It’s the hits you don’t see or know about that are the worst!
20. Tell us about something exciting/unusual/inspiring you’ve done since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, learning the banjo, etc.).
I have traveled to a few places that I will never forget. Rio/Sao Paulo, Brazil for Carnival. That was incredible, the history to be apart of the was something I’ll never forget.
21. What are you most passionate about?
Big on giving back to the community. Making an effort to make an impact on kids lives. Something about doing the right thing all the time is big for me. Faith - I’m a man of God, I believe God has blessed me with a lot and I am beyond grateful for that. My family, they keep me going, my wife and kids are my rock! I grind and do what I do for my family!
22. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
My biggest love is hockey. I grew up playing hockey and that’s probably my favorite sport. I love golf which probably goes in with hockey.
23. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team?
Keep rowing the boat. I understand that as a head coach fans look at wins and losses - which they should. But fans should also recognize that the players continue to do great thing in the classroom/community/etc. They are getting better on the field too. My senior year we went 1-11 and I was playing with 3 true freshmen DB’s. It's really hard, really hard. These kids are 17/18 years old and were just at prom a few months ago. Now they're playing against 21/22-year-old men. Not only that, they have school, lifting, study hall, all this in a few short months. They need time, and you have to give Coach Fleck a chance and believe. But to be honest I don’t worry about everyone else and what they think or say. Coach Fleck is my coach now and my OARs are in the water! Period.
