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Aug. 3--OXNARD, Calif. -- You know all about Tony Romo's love life and Roy Williams' commitment to his faith. You know about Terrell Owens' humble upbringing in Alexander City, Ala. You also know about the impact Jason Witten's grandfather has had on the tight end's life.
But we know virtually nothing about Marion Barber, aside from his father being a former running back with the New York Jets and Houston drafted his brother in the sixth round a few months ago.
That's the way this 25-year-old, dreadlocked man of mystery likes it.
Barber is shy. He's not quite Leon Lett shy -- remember Lett nearly broke into hives during media day at Super Bowl XXVIII -- but you get the idea.
It's fascinating because when Barber carries the football, his style beckons the spotlight. He can't hide. His talent won't allow it.
You see his power and feel his desire as his thick hair -- the dreadlocks first appeared during his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota -- freely flops about as though yearning to be freed from his helmet's constraints.
When you think about it that way, it's easy to see how Barber has been transformed from anonymous fourth-round draft pick to future superstar runner with a contract worth $45 million.
We know little about Barber off the field because he's never given one of those in-depth, Roy Firestone-type interviews that brings its audience to tears. He's as personable and polite as they come but has no interest in discussing himself.
He didn't do it as a rookie. Or last year when he split time with Julius Jones. Or now, a Pro Bowl player who's the featured runner for "America's Team."
The Cowboys Network would love to have him on its Internet broadcasts, but he has declined. HBO's Hard Knocks has yet to put a microphone on him.
Some Internet research reveals he has an official Web site and a My Space page, neither of which provides much insight into the man. Some interviews yield a few tidbits, such as he enjoys reading religious books like Joyce Meyer's The Power of Simple Prayer and Battlefield of the Mind.
He idolized Barry Sanders growing up, and he played one year at Wayzata (Minn.) High School and one year in college with his brother, Dominique.
Ike31 
