FRISCO, Texas — Former Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears Marion Barber III has died at the age of 38, the Cowboys said in a statement Wednesday.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” the team said. “Marion was a die-hard, old-school soccer player who ran with the will to win everything. He had a passion for the game and a love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts are with Marion’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Barber’s cause of death is unknown.
Police in Frisco, Texas, said in a statement that they responded to welfare concerns at an apartment believed to be rented by Barber’s Company on Wednesday. Police said they were investigating an unattended death at the scene but did not identify the person in their statement.
“The NFL mourns the loss of Marion Barber 3 and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the league said in a statement.
Barber was drafted by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft from Minnesota. He was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl despite not starting a game for a 13-3 team that finished with the best NFC record. The Cowboys led this season with 975 dash yards and 10 touchdowns.
After the 2010 season, he was released from the Cowboys and spent a year with the Bears. He finished his career with 4,780 yards and 53 touchdowns for 1,156 coaches in 99 games. He also had 179 passes for 1,330 yards and six touchdowns.
His tough style earned him the nickname “Marion the Barbarian” and he was a fan favorite.
“We are saddened to learn of the death of Bears RB’s Marion Barber III,” Chicago said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
After retiring after the 2011 season, Barber was arrested by police in Mansfield, Texas, in 2014 and subjected to a psychiatric evaluation. In 2019, he was arrested for two criminal offenses.
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