Former Browns Defender Barry Wilburn Dies in House Fire

Wilburn, 62, was a Super Bowl champion with the Washington franchise in 1987.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Former Cleveland Browns defensive back Barry Wilburn, who played for the team in 1992, has passed away at the age of 62 after a house fire. Wilburn was a Super Bowl champion with the Washington franchise in 1987, leading the NFL in interceptions that season.

Why it matters

Wilburn's passing is the latest bit of sad news for the Cleveland Browns organization, following the recent deaths of former wide receiver Frank Pitts and defensive lineman Paul Wiggin, both of whom were key members of the Browns' history.

The details

After five seasons with Washington, Wilburn played six games for the Browns in 1992 under head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Nick Saban, recording 13 tackles and one fumble recovery. He then went on to have an all-star career in the CFL, winning the Grey Cup, before finishing his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995 and 1996.

  • Wilburn played for the Browns in the 1992 season.
  • Wilburn led the NFL in interceptions in 1987 and won a Super Bowl with Washington that same season.
  • Wilburn passed away in a house fire at the age of 62.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A former NFL defensive back who played for the Cleveland Browns in 1992 and was a Super Bowl champion with the Washington franchise in 1987.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1992, when Wilburn played for the team.

Nick Saban

The defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns in 1992, when Wilburn played for the team.

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The takeaway

Wilburn's passing is a somber reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that former NFL players face, and the lasting impact they can have on the teams and communities they represent, even long after their playing days are over.