Dante Barnett: Journey to the NFL and NFL Draft

Exclusive Interview with Kansas State defensive back Dante Barnett, on life, football, and his unique path to the NFL and the NFL Draft.

We love a great underdog story. Who doesn’t? Someone comes from against all odds and defies everything logical. Many don’t give them hope, but they know something that we don’t.

Dante Barnett, remember this name. He’s a safety from Kansas State who was a consecutive three time team captain, one of six players in school history to accomplish this. After starting 27 straight games, Barnett suffered a season ending shoulder injury in the opener of his senior season. This also resulted in him staying for a fifth season.

Even though he missed almost an entire season due to injury, his talent and leadership skills are distinguished. However, Barnett did not receive an invitation to the 2017 NFL Combine.

“…it was a bit of a surprise that I wasn’t invited to the NFL combine,” Barnett said in our exclusive interview. “I figured that with the number of safeties they invited I would definitely be in the group. However, not being invited just adds another detail to my story.”

His story is like many other players who were snubbed the opportunity to perform at the Combine. Two players that come to mind are Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin who both did not receive an invitation to the combine and went undrafted in 2011. Harris is a two time Pro Bowler and Baldwin was the single most efficient receiver in 2015.

So often a player is overlooked based on their physical parameters. Says Barnett of what he feels is overlooked about his own skill set, “I think just my skill of being a football player. Often times people get caught up in how people look on paper and how they look (physically). But when it comes to playing football that’s different. Because the truth always reveals itself, especially when you find someone that loves the game of football like me. I’ve enjoyed proving people wrong my whole life.”

The true trademark of a player resides in their outlook on adversity. The perseverance, the grit, the relentlessness. These are common traits of underdogs who are ready and willing to work their way to the top, even when they have to work arduously.

Jul 19, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Dante Barnett speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

“I think what defines me is my “knack” for playing football,” Barnett said. “I’m not the biggest, strongest, or fastest, but I still (put) myself in the right positions at the right time to make big plays. I feel that when I’m on the field I can play with anybody.”

This approach to resiliency allows Barnett’s unrelenting attitude to shine through any physical limitations. Many have noted his approach of being a coach on the field. I asked him why and he said, “Probably for my leadership role over the years and the responsibility of the position I play in our defense. We put a lot of responsibility on our safeties in our defense. Making sure everyone is on the same page and know what they are suppose to be doing is what people refer to often. Motivating the defense at times as well.”

One person who helped him matriculate these attributes is the one and only Bill Snyder, his head coach at Kansas State. “Coach Snyder has […] helped my maturity as a person on and off the field. He teaches you lessons that will help you on the football [field] and in your daily life. Discipline and responsibility are also characteristics that I think he has enhanced in me over the years. Often times I didn’t understand why he [did] things in our program a certain way but then as I grew older I realized they proved to be helpful in our lives.”

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Challenges are what we make of them. The choice is ours to allow these challenges to break us down or build us into the character we strive to be.

I asked Barnett what the most challenging part of his journey has been up to this point and said, “The most challenging part of my journey up to this point is worrying about the unknown. I’m preparing myself daily for the opportunity of playing in the NFL. At this point I am just trying to control what I can control.”

In this part of the offseason, with not being invited to the combine and then going into the draft, the inability to retain control is elevated. If it meant playing for the NFL, I asked Barnett if the opportunity presented itself if he could see himself transitioning to another position, he said,
“Yes, I would transition into playing any position on the field if it presented itself in the NFL. However, with having to deal the wide receivers of the spread offenses in the Big 12, you’re by yourself the majority of the game one on one.”

Not only talking with Dante Barnett, but also seeing his game, I’ve learned there is a clear indication of his ability, devotion, and desire that he has to play, and be a leader, in the NFL. His attitude displays those qualities. I asked him if he cold pinpoint one moment in his life that compelled him to play in the NFL, he said, “I think my love and passion for the game, also having a bit of success during my collegiate career has always been motivation. Seeing college teammates and friends from my hometown play in the NFL has also motivated me.”

I noticed Barnett and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett were close, so I asked him how close they are and what it’s been like to see someone he grew up with find success in the NFL, and he said, “Very close, we talk almost everyday. It’s been great watching his success in the NFL because I know how hard he worked to have the success he’s having now.”

Next: Jimmy Graham being traded? don't count on it

Not every player has a clear cut path to the NFL. Players like Dante Barnett have experienced adversity and and disregard. But with the right fusion of mental fortitude, leadership, and passion, his journey is just beginning.

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