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Former Cowboys RB Marion Barber shockingly found dead at just 38

By Lauren Barash

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys walks the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 27-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys walks the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 27-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Just two days after news broke that 25-year-old Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died in a car accident in Dallas, more devastating news is rocking the NFL world. On Wednesday, Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram was the first to report that former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead in his apartment in Frisco, Texas.

Barber was just 38 years old, and his birthday was just nine days away on June 10. There are very minimal details available about his death at this time and a cause of death has not been provided. The local NBC station in Dallas reported that he was found unresponsive by Frisco police and the officers were allegedly sent out on a welfare check.

The former running back played seven seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Cowboys in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played six of those seven seasons with Dallas and finished the final year of his career with the Chicago Bears.

Known for his aggressive playstyle, Barber collected 4,780 yards, 53 touchdowns, and averaged 4.1 yards per attempt as a back. He also had 1,330 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver. Off the field, Barber was known for his philanthropy and humanitarian work during his career. The Cowboys released a statement about the tragic news minutes after the reports went public.

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber was found dead in his apartment at 38 years old

According to Hill Jr., Barber struggled with a myriad of issues, including mental health concerns, after his retirement from the NFL. In 2014, the former running back was taken to a hospital by police for a mental health evaluation. Five years later, he was arrested on two counts of criminal mischief for damaging two cars in Frisco back in 2018.

Barber came from a football family. His dad and brother also played in the NFL, and his youngest brother followed in his footsteps to play collegiate football with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Landry Hat writers’ thoughts and prayers are with Barber’s family.

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