Peyton Barber is going pro to help his mother

Peyton Barber has declared for the NFL Draft to help his mother find a permanent home.

The NFL Draft is supposed to be a great moment for many young athletes. It is the pinnacle of all of their hard work throughout their young careers. Football can be a way to become somebody important, a way out from a certain situation, or to help those in need. There’s a time when the latter involves a family member. That is what former Auburn running back Peyton Barber is trying to accomplish.

Speaking to the media at the NFL Combine, Peyton Barber announced the reason he was entering the Draft early was due to his mom’s living situation. His mom, Lori, has been living with Peyton’s sister and her three kids in a small Georgia apartment for quite some time.

In an interview with AL.com, Lori Barber showed her appreciation for her son and what he is offering her. After several car accidents, she is on disability, but still remains strong. In regards to Peyton’s goal, she stated:

"“It touches my heart that he feels so deeply about wanting to take care of me. Peyton is very quiet. … I had no idea he was feeling that strongly as he was feeling until he decided to come out (for the draft)…Peyton didn’t make this decision based on me. I’m going to survive. I’m a survivor.”"

Barber rushed for 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore last season, earning the vote as Auburn’s offensive MVP in 2015. The youngster left the school with two years left in his education to try and help his mom out. He is considered a mid-round pick, joining an NFL Draft with athletes like Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry of Alabama.