Barry Wilburn has died. The former NFL player and Super Bowl champion was the victim of a house fire in the early hours of Friday (Feb. 6) morning.
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"We're saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington All-Pro and Super Bowl XXII champion Barry Wilburn,' the Washington Commanders posted on X. "Sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
The former cornerback was found unresponsive in the rear hallway of his home. He was reported dead at the scene, per The Daily Mail.
"The Memphis Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire on Douglass Avenue in Orange Mound at around 2 am Friday morning," Action News 5 reported. "They found an unresponsive victim in the rear hallway. He was pronounced dead at the scene."
Wilburn spent five years with the Washington Commanders between 185 and 1989. He played one year with the Cleveland Browns, and the final two years of his career came with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was part of Washington's Super Bowl-winning team back in 1987. Washington overcame the Denver Broncos in that game.
There was a two-year gap between Wilburn's tenure with the Browns and also the Eagles. He played for the CFL during that time.
Wilburn was 62 years old at the time of his passing. The NFL world is in mourning.
Barry Wilburn Had an Amazing Super Bowl 1987 Season
Wilburn is best remembered for his incredible season with Washington during the 1987 season. He ended the year with an NFL high in interceptions, while also being named a first-team All-Pro. During the Super Bowl game, Wilburn recorded two interceptions, both of which were passes from the legendary John Elway.
After leaving Washington, Wilburn spent two years away from football due to injury.
Before making it to the professional ranks, Wilburn played for Melrose High School. He impressed enough to land a spot with Ole Miss. His production at the collegiate level saw him drafted by Washington in the eighth round. He was the 219th overall pick in 1985.
There have been no details regarding Wilburn's impending funeral. The service will likely be kept for family and also close friends.
