Barton began playing football at age five.[1] He grew up in a kosher Orthodox Jewish home in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Hebrew Academy of Atlanta, now known as the Atlanta Jewish Academy, through the fifth grade and graduated from Atlanta's Dunwoody High School.[6][7][8][9][2] Barton was named DeKalb County MVP his senior year at Dunwoody.[10]
Originally thought to be a possible defensive lineman, Barton was switched to center early in his first summer of practice at UNC.[1]
Barton was a four-year starter during his time at UNC; starting center his freshman year, before moving to left tackle mid-season during his sophomore year, playing that position for the remainder of his collegiate career.[11]
Barton was named to a number of All-America teams, including the NCAA's All-American Scholar/Athlete Team and Academic All-ACC.[11] During his senior year Barton was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Outstanding Offensive Lineman.[11][12] While at UNC Barton played in the Japan Bowl.[10]
Barton graduated with a BA in finance from UNC in 1987.[citation needed]
In 1994, during the 49ers opener against the Los Angeles Raiders at Candlestick Park, Barton tore his left triceps tendon which required surgery to repair, benching him for part of the '94 season.[17] He was replaced by Harry Boatswain.[18]
During his ten-year pro career, Barton played 138 career NFL games, including 89 consecutive games [1] and three Super Bowls.
Barton started in 134 of his 138 career games.[19] Barton retired after the 1998 season.[19] In 2006 he was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California, and in March 2011 he was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.[20][21]
He donates his time to a number of organizations including REDF,[29]The First Tee,[30] Champion Charities (a 501(c) organization, he founded with former teammate and business partner Ronnie Lott),[31] the 49ers Foundation and the Giants Community Fund.[32]