Alejandro Avila
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Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead inside his Frisco, Texas apartment on Wednesday. Barber was 38.
Multiple outlets reported that Frisco police arrived at his residence for a “welfare concern” and found the former NFL player deceased. No cause of death has been confirmed.
The Cowboys delivered a statement on Barber’s passing.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III. Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Barber played in the League for seven seasons (2005-2012) and led a Pro Bowl-worthy campaign in 2007. That year, Barber accrued 1,257 yards of offense and 12 touchdowns for Dallas. He played for the Chicago Bears in 2011-12 and called it a career.
After his retirement, Barber experienced several legal issues, including a run-in with police in 2014 and getting arrested in 2019 over misdemeanor criminal mischief charges. He reportedly struggled with mental health after his time in the NFL.
Marion was cousin to Las Vegas Raiders running back Peyton Barber. He was set to turn 39 on June 10.
Stay tuned with OutKick as details on the story develop.
RIP Marion Barber
Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela
Sad. So young
It’s always sad to hear of men dying young like this. It’s happening way too much of late. I didn’t know about Barber as a person, but he certainly had a great football career in college and the pros. I will never forget the duo of Barber and Maroney in the backfield for those nasty, physical Minnesota teams back in 2003-2004. I haven’t seen a better college running back duo.
I remember this guy ran like a small tank. Punishing runner. He’d get lots of carries to close out games. Makes you wonder about this CTE thing.
Damn.. RIP.
NFL needs to do a better job keeping tabs on their former players. League has more money than god and should be able to have some proactive resources for health/mental health care. I know they’re doing more these days to help these guys w/ financial literacy. No reason a 7 year NFL vet should be renting.