Matt Barnes reveals his career goals once he turns 50: "I think I've been misunderstood my entire life"

When people think of professional athletes, most only consider their on-court abilities and impressive physical gifts. However, there is much more to each and every one of these as they are human beings behind their special talents.

Matt Barnes is the most recent former professional athlete to speak on this and revealed some surprising off-court goals he intends to chase in the near future. As Barnes put it in an appearance on "Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel":

"I gave myself a goal back in my 30s that by the time I turn 50, I wanted to run for some sort of office," Barnes said. "Whether that be mayor or governor or whatever it may be. ... It would be refreshing. It's not something people expect, but I know I can make a difference."

Barnes discussed his intentions with this goal and why he is so passionate about it. The 43-year-old discussed how he wants to use his platform for those who do not have a voice. He identifies with people feeling this way.

"I think I've been misunderstood my entire life," Barnes said. "I try to give back. I try to motivate. I try to educate. In our communities, you have to see it to believe it. I always want to be a symbol of hope."

Matt Barnes' NBA career

It will be surprising to some to hear these goals from Matt Barnes due to his role as an enforcer during his NBA days. The UCLA product had a 15-year career, playing for nine different franchises.

He averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists across the 23.6 minutes per game he played during his 929 game career. Barnes was most known for the four seasons he spent with the LA Clippers but also won a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2017.

Following his retirement, he has spent time as an analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports California. The former second-round pick also remains involved in basketball at the grassroots level and helps out as a coach at the youth level.

While it would be a surprising leap if Barnes does pursue a position in the political world, his intentions are admirable. There is no clear blueprint for getting involved in politics, so Barnes has as good of a chance of anyone, and it will be exciting to see if his name begins popping up on ballots in the near future.