"In his first public comments since signing with the Bears, running back Marion Barber didn't want to talk about his past.

And he didn't want to talk much about the present or future.

A player who long has preferred not to communicate with reporters, Barber — during a 75-second interview — focused on continuing to build on his reputation as one of the league's more bruising backs and helping the Bears win.

"That's what I've been doing my whole career, so it's not going to stop now," Barber said of his punishing style, which he showcased on seven carries for 45 yards Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.

"It's just all about playing football. I mean, fresh start — I'm just glad I'm here and going from there."

Barber starred at the University of Minnesota, and he earned a Pro Bowl spot after an impressive 2007 season. That yielded a seven-year, $45 million contract from the Dallas Cowboys that included $16 million in guarantees."