Connor Alfred Barwin, commonly known as Connor Barwin, is a former American football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on October 15, 1986, in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Thomas Barwin and Margaret Bailey. Standing 6'4" and weighing approximately 120 kg (265 lbs), he is the youngest of four brothers.

Barwin was born with hearing loss, which was confirmed at the age of two. He underwent multiple surgeries throughout his childhood to remove a benign tumor. By the age of 12, he had regained full hearing in his right ear and partial hearing in his left.

He graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School, where he was a standout athlete. In football, he earned All-League, All-Catholic, and All-District honors as a senior. He was also notable in basketball, earning All-League honors as a junior and All-Catholic selection in his senior year.

College Football Career at University of Cincinnati

Connor Barwin enrolled at the University of Cincinnati and played college football for the Bearcats. In 2005, as a freshman, he appeared in 11 games as a backup tight end. During his freshman and sophomore years, he shared playing time behind starting tight end Brent Celek.

In addition to football, Barwin temporarily joined the University of Cincinnati basketball team in early 2006 when it faced a depleted roster. He played 18 games as a backup forward.

As a sophomore in 2006, he played in all 13 games, contributing mainly on special teams. The following season, as a junior in 2007, Barwin continued on special teams and as a backup tight end, playing in 12 games.

In 2008, under head coach Brian Kelly, Barwin transitioned to defensive end. He excelled in his new role, earning First-Team All-Big East honors and receiving the Claude Rost Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player. His final college stats include 66 tackles, 12 sacks, 53 receptions for 692 yards, six touchdowns, and eight deflected passes.