Marion Barber III obit

Former NFL running back Marion Barber was found dead in Texas

 

He was not on the list.

Former NFL running back Marion Barber has died at age 38, as police in Frisco, Texas, found his body in an apartment following a wellness check. Barber was a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2000s. A cause of death has not been announced.

Barber's life after football was one of struggle, marked by concerns about his mental health and encounters with police in the Dallas metro area. Those mourning him include his former teammate Dez Bryant, who said last summer that he couldn't enjoy watching archival highlights of Barber's playing days, knowing the troubles he faced after his NFL career.

"RIP Marion Barber may God rest your soul," Bryant said on Twitter. In a video, he urged athletes to look out for themselves, noting the deaths of former NFL players such as Demaryius Thomas and Vincent Jackson — who, like Barber, died in their 30s.

Frisco police were called to an apartment they believe Barber was leasing, a department representative told NPR. After officers entered, they found Barber's body. An investigation into "an unattended death at the location" is now under way, in conjunction with the coroner's office.

During his career, Barber's ferocious running style made him a fan favorite, and his coaches often called on him to finish scoring drives, fighting his way through defenders and into the end zone.

In 2007, his third season, Barber led the Cowboys with 10 touchdowns and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, despite not being named a starter for a single game. In the Cowboys' record books, only three players have scored more than Barber's 47 rushing touchdowns.

The team released a statement saying it's heartbroken by Barber's death.

"Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down," it said. "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 seven seasons in the NFL, including six with the Cowboys, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2005, and one with the Chicago Bears. He retired after the 2011 season.

After forgoing his senior season of college with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Dallas Cowboys selected Barber in the fourth round, with the 109th overall selection, of the 2005 NFL Draft. A toe infection that required surgery and some preseason fumbles left him at the bottom of the depth chart. An injury to Julius Jones and the ineffectiveness of Anthony Thomas allowed Barber to emerge, and he responded with 95 yards rushing against Seattle and 127 yards against Arizona. Along with his pass-blocking and special teams abilities, this solidified his position as the backup running back for the Cowboys.

Although he was the backup to Julius Jones in 2006, Barber found a niche as a third-down rusher and a closer of games, emerging as an excellent red-zone running back. He led the NFC with 14 rushing touchdowns in 2006 and was the first non-placekicker since 2000, to lead the Cowboys in scoring (96 points). He also displayed his ability as a power back, gaining a reputation for punishing defenders.

During the 2007 season, Barber's power running back style earned him the nickname Marion the Barbarian and he was the league leader in breaking tackles, reflecting his personal mantra of "hit or get hit." Barber rushed for 975 yards on 204 carries and 10 rushing touchdowns with a 4.8 yards-per-carry rushing average. He caught 44 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.

On December 18, 2007, he was named to his first Pro Bowl despite officially being a backup. Barber received the start in the divisional playoff loss to the New York Giants.

Dallas offered Barber, now as a starter, the highest tender as a restricted free agent in 2008. On May 20, 2008, he signed a seven-year deal for $45 million with the Cowboys with $16 million guaranteed. Before becoming a starter, there was already a worry if his running style could shorten his career, with the additional work, his career longevity was discussed more often, as his yards per carry started to drop down.

In 2009, the emergence of Tashard Choice and Felix Jones, and injury problems limited his success during the 2009 season. However, he played in 15 games despite a torn quadriceps muscle. Barber had a disappointing 2010 season as the entire Cowboys team struggled from game one. In 13 games Barber rushed for 374 yards on 113 carries for a 3.3 yard per carry average, the lowest of his career. His 4 rushing touchdowns were also the lowest of his career.

Barber was released by Dallas on July 28, 2011. On July 30, 2011, the Chicago Bears signed Barber to a two-year, $5 million contract. Barber beat out Chester Taylor for the Chicago Bears' second string running back position after Matt Forte.

On August 27 in the third pre-season game, Barber hurt his calf muscle and missed the first three games of the regular season due to the injury. In Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, replacing an injured Forte, Barber scored a touchdown and had his first 100-yard game since 2009 after suffering a muscle injury.

In the 2011 season Barber had 422 yards on 114 carries. Following the 2011 season, Barber announced his retirement from the NFL on March 23, 2012.

News of Marion Barber’s passing at the age of 38 was a blow felt by the entire football community.

Many of those who coached him, played with him, played against him, covered him in the media, or simply watched him run the ball in his one-of-a-kind style took to social media Wednesday night and early Thursday to voice their grief and pay tribute to the unique talent of “Marion the Barbarian.”

Jason Garrett - His physical style and relentless spirit were infectious! Showed up in how he practiced! Showed up in how he played in games! It was impossible not to notice #24! He leaped off the tape! As great a player as Marion was, he was an even better person.

Marcus Spears - no way man No way  rest well MB

Terence Newman - Gone too soon.  Rest In Peace MB (Marion Barber III).  If you knew or liked him as a player, please share your favorite memory.  Love bro

Terrell Owens - Man I am so heart broken. Damn MB. Been holding it in since I got the news earlier today. Man, #24!! This hurts. 81X24 Rest In Peace  #Cowboys @24marionbarber @ San Francisco, California

Roy Williams - Just seen my boy about a month ago. My heart was so full of joy seeing my dawg/brother MB! Heavy heart right now . I’m in disbelief. Check on your love ones man check on your love ones ❤️ #RestInPeaceMB

Mark Ingram II - Mannn I used to watch Marion Barber III tote that rock real proper!!! R.I.P. to the OG man 

Robert Griffin III - Rest in Peace Marion Barber