Leo Barker

Leonardo Barker(Leo Barker)(born July 11, 1959 in Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone) was the first Panamanian to play in the NFL. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1984 until 1991. He played varsity football at Rainbow City/Cristobal in his native Panama. He now lives in North Carolina with his family.

College Career

Barker was a member of the New Mexico State University Aggies football team from 1979 to 1983. He was a starting linebacker every year he played and was second on the team in tackles his junior and senior seasons. At New Mexico State, Barker racked up 378 career tackles; enough to place him number four on the all-time Aggie list.

NFL Career

He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the NFL draft in 1983. He played for the Bengals until 1992, when he retired. Barker was an integral part of the Bengals’ nickel-package defense. In 1989, Barker helped lead them to a league best 12-4 record and an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII.