After playing college football for the Jackson State Tigers, Barnett was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the eleventh round of the 1981 NFL draft with the 299th overall pick.[1] He played four seasons with the Bills, recording a career total of 26 receptions for 236 yards, including one career touchdown reception during his rookie season.[2]
On July 17, 2015, Barnett's 58-year-old wife Sandra, a middle school special needs teacher,[4] was kidnapped and murdered by Buster's previous mistress, 49-year-old Lisa Brown, who then committed suicide.[1]