Former Cowboys, Bears RB Marion Barber, 38, dies

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber died Wednesday, the team confirmed. He was 38.

Barber was found dead in his apartment by police in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

“Officers are currently out on a welfare concern, but we are unable to provide any further information at this time,” a Frisco police spokesperson told the Star Telegram, noting the cause of Barber’s death is unknown.

Barber played seven seasons in the NFL (2005-11), including his first six with the Cowboys. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2007 after rushing for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns. In that year’s playoffs, he gained 129 yards on the ground and scored in Dallas’ NFC divisional-round loss to the New York Giants. 

The bruising back topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive campaigns and was an invaluable weapon around the goal line. Dallas drafted Barber out of the University of Minnesota in the fourth round of the 2005 Draft.

He spent his final season with the Chicago Bears, scoring six times in a reserve role. Barber retired with 4,780 rushing yards and 59 TDs overall. 

This is a developing story.