Name:
Barnabas ‘Big Bird’ Barrington
Nicknames:
Barney, Big Bird, Bee Bee
Age:
42 years old
Personality:
In his younger years as a boxer Barney was well known for being friendly, charismatic and approachable. During his days in casino security he held a polite and more professional demeanour. As the Byron family’s personal guard Barney kept that professional distance while showing glimpses of genuine friendship towards members of the family to varying degrees, especially the father Adam. Since the outbreak his once evident charisma and approachability waned to near non-existence under the relentless guard of his least favourite Bryon: Delaney.
Looks:
6’4 tall with what was once a fearsome muscle mass of 245 pounds. Barney had lost a considerable measure of his trained physique due to malnutrition after the outbreak dropping to a comparably meagre 210 a few months in.
Clothing:
Barney would dress to code, depending on where the Byron family were that day. The outbreak caught him minding Delaney at a festival, his outfit reflecting such. Designer casual: Pocket clad zip hoodie covering one of his loose fit shirts, drainpipe jeans and expensive yet subtle sneakers. One striking item in particular being the seven thousand dollar watch he wears with pride, a lavish gift from Adam Byron. Barney considered the watch a genuine gesture of friendship when in reality Adam was coked out that day and feeling overtly generous in his drug addled state.
Sexual Orientation:
Straight
Weapons:
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 Revolver (w/ integrated laser sight)
Barney would never escort the Byrons without this concealed within his waistline. CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) approved, while Barney is proficient with his firearm he has yet to fire it on-duty till the outbreak.
Equipment:
Additional Speed loader for his .38 (5 Rounds)
Occupation:
Bryon Family Minder/Driver
Former Casino Security Guard
Retired Professional Boxer
Hometown:
Reno, Nevada
History:
Early 'Amateur' YearsBarney’s parents focused their careers into Reno’s biggest community, casinos. Both of them worked respective roles within the industry, his father a poker dealer and his mother a cashier. Barney’s middle class upbringing was safe and mostly uneventful, that is till he discovered boxing as a hobby aged 13. Spending the best part of his afterschool hours at the local boxing gym Barney was fascinated by the sweet science and the racial diversity it promoted, everyone was equal in the ring.
On his 18th birthday Barney dived straight into amateur boxing, his relentless training as a teen making him an already formidable opponent. Barney loved the sport, showed a friendly passion akin to that of an excitable child making him a character amongst his peers. By 23 Barney held both a near heavyweight physique and some of the highest accolades in Reno’s amateur boxing community, professional promoters started to take notice.
Professional YearsBarney started his professional career at age 25. Over the next three years he competed in nine fights, amassing eight wins and five knockouts with his signature ‘Haymaker’ right hook. His single defeat lost him a shot at the title, down to points it was argued amongst eagle eyed fans for nearly a year. As a pro boxer Barney’s friendly and childlike demeanour gave him a distinctive image, his broad appeal to all ages and yellow ring attire donning him with the nickname ‘Big Bird’. Barney was also known for his entrance music and dance, serving to reinforce this ‘Sesame Street’ playfulness.
His tenth fight was for another shot at the title against challenger Darren ‘Danny Boy’ Read, a well known Irish-American boxer who was coming up to his retirement. Danny boy wanted the title before ending his career, using his trademark aggression and angry temper to get it. The fight lasted the full 12 rounds, Barney won on points. After the bout Danny and his team cornered Barney in the parking lot, ending with Danny hospitalised and both men losing their professional licenses. Word of mouth spread that Big Bird instigated the fight, unsatisfied with a points victory. As hard as he tried to deny these claims the media made a circus of the ordeal marring Barrington’s name.
Later 'Security' YearsWithin the year Barney’s career plunged into media obscurity, forcing him to retire from professional boxing at 29. Thanks to his father Barney found a reasonably paid job in casino security, working doors checking IDs. Three years later Barney had rarely been recognised by celebrities and the public generally while on guard, till rock legend Adam Bryon spotted him. Adam was an avid boxing fan, even attended Bird’s Las Vegas bout against Danny Boy. Adam sympathised with Barney, not wanting to miss an opportunity Adam soon offered him a job as a family minder.
The work focused mostly on watching Adam’s current wife, driving her around and keeping an eye out while she shopped. All Barney needed was additional firearm and driving training for Adam’s piece of mind. Ten years down the line Barney had no complaints about his line of work, his father envious as a big Byron fan. While Barney holds the skills to be a formidable protector fortunate for him he’s never needed to neither fire a shot nor sped evasively through traffic, not till the outbreak started.
Family:
Father, Mother, Lover: Contact Lost
Other:
We are The Walking Dead
TLDR: Ex-professional boxer who had their career stopped by a brawl. After a short stint in casino security started working with rock legend Adam Byron and his family for 10 years as a minder/driver.