Hampton retired after the 1997 season , giving Barber the starting nod .
He was originally intended to be a third - down running back until Rodney Hampton had disappointing years in 1996 and 1997 .
Rodney Hampton retired after the 1997 season , giving Barber the starting nod .
He was originally intended to be a third - down running back until Rodney Hampton had disappointing years in 1996 and 1997 .