Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes (born March 1, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was a member of the Los Angeles and Oakland Raiders from 1977 to 1987 of the National Football League (NFL).

Professional career

Barnes had an outstanding rookie year with the Raiders, becoming a special teams superstar who was recognized for his rough and reckless play. He also saw action at linebacker for the Raiders in 1977. He was honored on the cover of Fremont-based Community Sport Magazine in December of that year. Barnes continued to contribute to the Raiders success in 1978, playing all 16 games.

The 1978 season would be the last for head coach John Madden. But Barnes remained with the Raiders, playing for a new head coach and former Raider starting quarterback (1960-1966), Tom Flores. The Raiders, under Flores, won two Super Bowl Championships - the first in 1981 as Oakland Raiders and the second in Los Angeles.

Barnes enjoyed 10 seasons with the raiders: five as a member of the Oakland Raiders and five as the Los Angeles Raiders. He played a total of 157 games in his NFL career with the Raiders. He intercepted 5 passes and had 6.5 sacks. However, nothing tops the two Super Bowl Championships that Barnes won as a member of the Raiders.

Scott Duncan Award

The Scott Duncan Award was established in 1974 by the California coaching staff in memory of running back Scott Duncan, who was killed in an auto accident in the summer of 1974. The award is awarded to the most valuable special teams junior. Barnes received this award in 1975 from UC Berkeley.