Rashad Barksdale was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 6th round (201st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. It was one of the biggest suprises of the 2007 NFL Draft since Barksdale never played football until his senior season. Barksdale was an outfielder on the UAlbany baseball team for two years after transferring from Hudson Valley Community College. He played in six games in his lone collegiate season and had 3 interceptions and accounted for 37 tackles.
He is the second player in Albany history to be drafted into the NFL. (Kurt Campbell was 1st ) Barksdale was cut however at the end of training camp and signed the following day by the Kansas City Chiefs. He became the 1st player in Albany Great Danes history to be placed on an NFL 53-man roster.
Barksdale made his NFL debut on October 7th, 2007 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It marked the first time a University of Albany player had appeared in an NFL regular season game when he took the field on special teams and on the punt cover and return units. He made his first career tackle in the fourth quarter.
In 2008, Barksdale was signed by the New York Giants as a member of the practice squad for the 2008 season. On December 30th, 2008, the speedy corner became the first Great Dane to make an NFL Playoff Roster after the Giants signed him to replace injured corner Sam Madison. The future is bright for the fierce and physical competitor with great instincts and strength.
Rashad Barksdale Image Gallery
Rashad Barksdale Merchandise
Rashad Barksdale Game Worn and Signed Air Jordan Cleats (Worn in College with Albany Great Danes)
Barksdale wore these featured Nike Air Jordan Black and White cleats in his lone season with the Great Danes. The size 11 cleats show good use and have been signed by Barksdale in silver.
