Marion Barber, the former Pro Bowl running back for the Dallas Cowboys, was found dead in her apartment on Wednesday.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, citing multiple sources, reported that the barber was found by Frisco, Texas police answering a welfare call.
According to the Star-Telegram, the cause of death was not immediately known. Local officials are “investigating an unclaimed death at the location.”
Barber, 38, spent six of his seven-year NFL career with the Cowboys when Dallas selected him in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “Marianne was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran every downstairs with a desire to win.
“He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts are with Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Barber, nicknamed Marion the Barbarian, rushed for 4,780 yards during his career, averaged 4.1 yards-per-carry and scored 53 touchdowns. He earned his lone Pro Bowl selection after the 2007 season when he ran for a career-best 975 yards (4.8 ypc) and 10 touchdowns.
During most of his career in Dallas, he spent time in the Cowboys backfield with Julius Jones and Felix Jones. His 47 TDs with the Cowboys are the fourth in team history.
After six seasons with the Cowboys, the Minnesota native who starred at the University of Minnesota played one season with the Chicago Bears.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Bears RB Marion Barber III,” the Bears said in a statement. “Our hearts are with his family and friends.”
Barber retired from the NFL in March 2012. He dealt with mental health issues after his career.
Three years after his career ended, Barber was detained and taken to hospital for a mental health evaluation. Police in Mansfield, another Dallas suburb, said it was unclear what caused the call that prompted their reaction.
His father, Marion Barber Jr., spent seven seasons with the Jets from 1982–1988 after being drafted in the second round of the 1981 draft. His younger brother Dominic played a defensive role for the Houston Texans for four seasons (2008–2011).
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