Super Bowl champion Barry Wilburn, remembered by fans and former teammates as a gifted athlete with a quiet, steady presence, has died at age 62 after a house fire in Memphis. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday.
According to authorities, firefighters were called to a home in the Orange Mound neighborhood early that morning. When crews entered the house, they found Wilburn in a hallway, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wilburn grew up in Memphis and starred at Melrose High School before playing at Ole Miss. His football journey eventually led him to Washington, where he became an eighth-round pick in 1985 and quickly rose to fame. In 1987, Wilburn led the NFL in interceptions and helped guide his team to victory in Super Bowl XXII — a season that earned him first-team All-Pro honors.
On Sunday, the Commanders publicly honored him, writing that they were “saddened” by his passing and sending condolences to his loved ones.
After his standout years in Washington, Wilburn later returned to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and then the Philadelphia Eagles. He also spent time in the Canadian Football League, continuing to play the sport he loved.
Throughout his career, Wilburn recorded 246 tackles and 20 interceptions, leaving behind a legacy that made him a memorable force on the field — and a beloved figure off of it.
His family, teammates, and fans are now mourning the sudden loss of a hometown hero whose life touched many both inside and outside the game.
My Condolences to the family. Its hard to lose anyone when it really wasn’t there time to go. Sending Prayers your way. Please get help for the loss of a loved one. Sincerely Audrey Jane Spaulding in Colorado