FRISCO (Texas) — Former Dallas Cowboys Chicago Bears Marion Barber III, a running back for the Cowboys, has died at the tender age of 38. The Cowboys released a statement Wednesday.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Marion Barber, III,” the team stated. “Marion was an old-school and hard-nosed football player who ran with determination to win every game. He loved the game and his coaches. Marion’s friends and family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Barber’s cause of death is not known.
Frisco, Texas police stated that they responded to a welfare call on Wednesday at an apartment believed to have been rented by Barber. Police stated that they were investigating a unattended death at the address, but did not identify the person in their statement.
“The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic loss Marion Barber III,” the league stated in a statement.
Barber was a Cowboys player from 2005 to 2010. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2007, despite not playing in a game for a 13-3 NFC team. Barber led the Cowboys in rushing with 975 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He spent one year with Bears after he was released from the Cowboys in the aftermath of the 2010 season. He finished his career with 4,780 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns. He also caught 179 passes that totaled 1,330 yards, six touchdowns.
His dedication and hard work earned him the nickname Marion the Barbarian, which was a favorite among his fans.
After retiring from the 2011 season, he had his mental health evaluated in Mansfield, Texas in 2014. He was charged with two counts of criminal mischief in misdemeanors in 2019.