As of 2006, Michael Barnes is a 40 year old father of four, who had a promising football career cut short due to a series of knee injuries; most damaging a right knee injury during his junior season in college. He returned home to Gary, IN only to choose a way of life that was opposite of what he was building on, and the cost was more damaging than a knee injury!
After serving six calender years in prison, Michael was blessed with a job in a local steel mill. After a year of work, Michael finally received proper knee surgery which kept him out of work for almost a year! Bodybuilding became more of rehabilitation and a new challenge in life. With bodybuilding came a more positive outlook on life and new blood added to an old man!