Thirty years ago at East Carolina, Earnest Byner was a Pirate. In a full-circle journey, he’s now a Buccaneer.
Byner was named Tampa Bay’s new running backs in February. It’s just his latest stop in a post-playing career that hasn’t strayed a hair from the game that gave him a livelihood.
Byner spent 14 seasons as a NFL running back, with three different teams. Though best remembered for “The Fumble” during the 1987 AFC Championship Game, he was a very productive all-around back, accumulating nearly 13,000 total yards during his pro career.
When his playing days ended in 1997, Byner joined the Ravens front office as Director of Player Development. Prior to his new job in Tampa, Byner was also the running backs coach with the Redskins, Titans and Jaguars.
A three-year starter for East Carolina at fullback, Byner rushed for 2,049 yards and 11 TDs in his four years with the Pirates. He was inducted into ECU’s Hall of Fame in 1998.
Byner and his wife, Tina, have four daughters: Semeria, Adriana Monique, Brandi and Kyara.
