Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead on Wednesday. He was 38. LOUIS DELUCA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The Dallas Morning News
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead in his apartment by Frisco police on Wednesday. The cause of his death is unknown. According to a source, police responded to a welfare check at Barber’s apartment because someone had called about a water leak coming from his apartment. Police forced their way in. “Frisco Police responded to a welfare concern at an apartment believed to be leased by Marion Barber,” police spokesperson Joshua Lovell said. “Frisco Police along with the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating an unattended death at the location.” Barber was 38. His birthday is June 10.
The Cowboys released an official statement Wednesday evening: “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 seven years in the NFL, including six for the Cowboys, between 2005 and 2011. He was a Pro Bowler in 2007 after rushing for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns in a season that he didn’t start a game for Dallas, splitting time with Julius Jones. Barber finished his career with 4,780 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. He played the 2011 season with the Chicago Bears.
Barber retired from the NFL before the start of the 2012 season. Barber’s life has been in a tailspin since his retirement. In 2014, Barber was detained by Mansfield police and taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. He was arrested in 2019 on two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief over a 2018 incident in which he was alleged to have damaged two cars by while he was running in Frisco. According to KXAS Channel 5, a witness alleged that Barber charged toward their vehicle, causing large dents to the side of their cars.
Per a source, Barber had been hospitalized twice for mental health evaluations since his retirement in 2012. Roughly a year ago, former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant wrote on Twitter that he couldn’t even enjoy watching old highlights of Barber because he knew he was down and out bad: “As I watch this video and me knowing exactly how Marion barber life is going right now today is why I built @personalcorner …. I can’t even enjoy it because he’s down and out bad…we are just a stat and moments to most people…” Bryant posted on Twitter.
As I watch this video and me knowing exactly how Marion barber life is going right now today is why I built @personalcorner …. I can’t even enjoy it because he’s down and out bad…we are just a stat and moments to most people… https://t.co/V5oKxdAzOZ
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 15, 2021
