As reported extensively when he was drafted by the Packers, offensive lineman Allen Barbre put his athleticism to good use at Missouri Southern State University as a gunner on punt coverage, rare duty for a 300-pound player.
But perhaps his most unique, as well as emotional, moment as a collegian came when he lined up for one play in the offensive backfield during his junior season.
Back on Oct. 1, 2005, Barbre's Missouri Southern team took on Truman State University, a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival, just four days after head coach John Ware had died in his office of a massive heart attack at the age of 46.
The sudden death of Ware, who had coached at Truman for 19 seasons before taking over at Missouri Southern in 2004, stunned both schools, and the homecoming contest included pre-game ceremonies to honor the late coach.
"He was a great influence on my life he made a big impact on my life," Barbre said. "It was real hard to go through that."
During the game, Barbre and his teammates found a memorable way to honor their coach, who was a former offensive lineman himself.
Midway through the first quarter, Missouri Southern took the early lead on a field goal, and then Truman fumbled inside its own 5-yard line on the first play of the ensuing drive. For the next snap, Missouri Southern lined up in a formation that included 11 offensive linemen, with Barbre taking a direct snap in the backfield.
"We just threw it in there and called it 'Fat City,'" Barbre recalled. "It was the whole offensive line, and it seemed like the perfect time."
The touching tribute to Coach Ware produced a touchdown, as Barbre scored on a 4-yard run.
"It all just balled up in the middle and I went off to the left and just walked in untouched," Barbre said.
The touchdown gave Missouri Southern an early 10-0 lead on its way to a 41-17 win.
Barbre and his teammates gave one of their best performances of the year, rolling up 465 yards of total offense. The defense did its part, too, recording seven sacks and holding Truman to minus-29 yards rushing.
"Everybody was down but when we all played, we played with great emotion," Barbre said. "It was unbelievable how we performed. It was pretty amazing to be honest with you."
Despite the play's success, Missouri Southern didn't run "Fat City" again that season. But it had served its purpose and was an important moment to reflect on as the rest of the year unfolded.
"Everybody came together and we all made it through together as a team," Barbre said. "It really helped get through the season with that."
