Definition
Richard Bartel is an American former professional gridiron football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL), NFL Europe, and the Arena Football League (AFL). Following his playing career, he has worked as a sports broadcaster and analyst.
Overview
Born on March 21, 1980, in Bixby, Oklahoma, Bartel attended Bixby High School, where he excelled in football. He played college football at Oklahoma State University, appearing in games from 1998 to 2002. After going undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft, Bartel signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent time on the Cowboys’ practice squad and was later allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe for the 2005 season. Bartel returned to the NFL with short stints on the rosters of the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and other teams, primarily in a backup quarterback capacity.
In the mid‑2000s, Bartel transitioned to the Arena Football League, playing for the Dallas Desperados and other AFL franchises. He retired from active play in the early 2010s and moved into broadcasting, providing analysis for college football and the NFL on regional television networks and radio stations, including work as a commentator for Oklahoma State University football broadcasts.
Etymology/Origin
- Richard: A given name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements ric (“ruler, power”) and hard (“brave, hardy”).
- Bartel: A surname of German and Dutch origin, historically a diminutive of the personal name Bartholomew, which itself originates from the Aramaic Bar‑Talmai (“son of Talmai”).
Characteristics
- Position: Quarterback
- Physical attributes: Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m); weight approximately 215 lb (98 kg).
- Playing style: Known for a strong arm and ability to operate both in traditional pocket passing schemes and in spread‑offense systems employed at the collegiate level.
- Career statistics: In the NFL, Bartel recorded limited regular‑season passing attempts, with most statistical contributions occurring during his tenure in NFL Europe and the AFL. Detailed statistical records are maintained by league archives.
Related Topics
- National Football League (NFL)
- NFL Europe
- Arena Football League (AFL)
- Dallas Cowboys
- Quarterback (American football)
- Sports broadcasting and analysis
- Oklahoma State Cowboys football program