Biography
Ernie Barnes (July 15, 1938 – April 27, 2021) was an American football player known for his professional career as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). Born in Durham, North Carolina, he attended North Carolina Central University, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was drafted by the NFL in 1960 and played for teams such as the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.
Throughout his five-season career in the NFL, Barnes gained recognition for his versatility and tenacity on the field. While he was not a star athlete in the conventional sense, his contributions to the game were valued by his teammates and coaches. He eventually shifted from football to pursue a career as an artist, which became his primary focus after his sports career ended.
Barnes is perhaps best known for his unique artistic style, which reflected the African American experience and displayed dynamic figures in motion. His artwork gained significant recognition, particularly after the series "Good Times" featured his paintings, further cementing his legacy beyond the football field. Today, Ernie Barnes is remembered not only for his contributions to professional football but also for his impactful work as a visual artist.