DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Running back Marion Barber #24 of the Chicago Bears looks on from the bench against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)Marion Barber. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
(CBS) Bears running back Marion Barber will retire after seven years in the NFL, the team announced Friday.
Barber signed a two-year deal with the Bears before the start of last season, but wasn’t expected to be brought back, especially after the team signed Michael Bush Thursday.
Barber ran for 422 yards and six touchdowns on 114 carries in 2011 while primarily serving as Matt Forte’s backup, but he was scrutinized heavily by fans after failing to stay in-bounds in a loss at Denver late in the season.