At only 25 years old, Peyton Barber is a 225 pound, running back in his fourth season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADHD), Barber attended two years at Auburn University from 2013 to 2015 before going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft with two years of eligibility remaining. Even though he is in week three of the season, Barber gave us a moment to share a bit about his life and career.

We know you love football and have quite a gift, but if you were not a professional athlete, what else would you like to be doing?

Probably something in construction or design. I have a great eye for detail, and I like to work with my hands.

So do you think you will try something new or different when you have finished your athletic career or will you stay in the field of sports?

I see myself as doing both. I can still have a sports career as well as being an entrepreneur.

Sports is in your blood then! Did you start out with football when you were a child?

My first sport was tee-ball. It was at this sport my mom and dad discovered I was a football player. I was tackling other players when I ran the bases. I was only three. I developed a new sport tee/football.

That would have been a sight to see. It sounds like you always wanted to play sports. When you were a child, did you know that you wanted to play professional football?

Yes, I would always tell everyone I wanted to be an NFL player.

Was there anyone in particular who inspired you to be an athlete?

The athlete has always been inside. I was blessed to know that this is what I was born to do. Even as a little baby, I was always fascinated with football.

To know your calling really is a gift. Do you have any advice for our readers who may also be interested in pursuing their athletic goals and dreams?

Stay prayed up and listen to your parents.

Simple and solid. What about diet or training? Do you have any advice for our athletes or tips you could share?

Diet is super important to staying healthy for sixteen games a year! I make sure I take my vitamins and proteins. I have to watch my calorie intake. I have to watch the selection of meats. But most of all, I have to make sure I’m drinking plenty of H2O.