Former NFL and CFL defensive back Barry Wilburn tragically lost his life in a house fire in Tennessee. He was 62 years old. Reports indicate that the Memphis Fire Department responded to an emergency call in the Orange Mound neighborhood at approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 6. Upon arrival, they discovered an unresponsive individual in the rear hallway, who was later confirmed to be Wilburn by a representative of his family.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Wilburn was drafted in the eighth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team, where he quickly made a name for himself as a starting cornerback. He garnered NFL All-Pro honors in 1987 after an impressive season that included nine interceptions. His standout performance that year culminated in a start at Super Bowl XXII, where he made headlines by intercepting quarterback John Elway twice during the game, contributing to a decisive victory over the Denver Broncos.
However, Wilburn’s career faced challenges when he received a drug suspension in 1989, which sidelined him for two seasons. Demonstrating resilience, he made a comeback in 1992 with the Cleveland Browns, but when that opportunity did not pan out, he took his talents to Canada, joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1993. There, he achieved CFL All-Star status in his debut season.
Following his initial year with the Roughriders, Wilburn was released and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was waived during training camp. He then joined the B.C. Lions in September, playing a critical role in their 1994 Grey Cup win against the Baltimore Stallions. This feat made Wilburn one of the few players to capture championships in both the CFL and NFL.
Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 196 pounds, Wilburn recorded impressive statistics throughout his career. In the CFL, he posted 58 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, and three interceptions over 29 games. In the NFL, he totaled 246 tackles and 20 interceptions across 91 games, along with scoring one touchdown.
Wilburn’s legacy as a skilled defensive back and a professional athlete who faced and overcame significant challenges will not be forgotten. His contributions to football and the impact he had on his teammates and fans stand as a testament to his enduring spirit.