He was drafted by the Jets out of Jackson State University with the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft. At Jackson State, Barkum was selected to the 1971 Little All-America Team as a Wide Receiver.
In his second year with the Jets in 1973, he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a WR. Later in his career, Barkum transitioned to the Tight End position, remaining a viable go-to receiver for the Jets offense. In his career, Barkum recorded 40 touchdown receptions, but was noted for rarely spiking the football at a time when such celebrations were increasingly frequent.
Barkum's most memorable catch in the NFL was made in Shea Stadium in a 1981 clash against the Miami Dolphins in the last seconds of the game to lift the Jets to victory 16–15. The Jets made the playoffs that year for the first time since their loss to the Chiefs in the 1969 AFL Divisional Round.
In the 1982 season, Barkum was a part of the Jets team that made it to the AFC Championship. He was released by the Jets after the 1983 season. Barkum's 40 touchdown receptions rank him fourth in Jets history.
He briefly attended the 1984 preseason camp with the New York Giants, but was waived before the season started. [2] Roughly one month later, the Washington Redskins brought Barkum to camp for a tryout in the wake of several injuries, [3] but he was officially cut on August 28, 1984.
In 2011, Barkum joined two other players in a class action lawsuit against the NFL regarding head injuries. [4]
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