Former Super Bowl Champion Barry Wilburn Dies in House Fire at 62

Wilburn, a star cornerback for the Washington Redskins, was the victim of a fatal fire in Memphis on Friday.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Barry Wilburn, a former NFL cornerback who won Super Bowl XXII with the Washington Redskins, has died at the age of 62 in a house fire in Memphis, Tennessee. The Memphis Fire Department responded to the fire call early Friday morning and found Wilburn unresponsive in a rear hallway, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

Wilburn was a standout player in the NFL, leading the league in interceptions and being named a first-team All-Pro in 1987, the same year the Redskins won the Super Bowl. His death at a relatively young age is a tragic loss for the football community.

The details

In Super Bowl XXII, Wilburn intercepted two passes from Broncos quarterback John Elway as the Redskins routed Denver 42-10. Wilburn spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with Washington before missing two years due to injury. He then played one season with the Browns, two years in the CFL, and two final seasons with the Eagles before retiring.

  • The fire occurred around 2 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2026 in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis.
  • Wilburn was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A former NFL cornerback who won Super Bowl XXII with the Washington Redskins in 1987. He led the NFL in interceptions that year and was named a first-team All-Pro.

Washington Redskins

The NFL team that Wilburn played for, winning Super Bowl XXII.

John Elway

The Denver Broncos quarterback that Wilburn intercepted twice in Super Bowl XXII.

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What they’re saying

“We're saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington All-Pro and Super Bowl XXII champion Barry Wilburn. Sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

— Washington Commanders (X)

The takeaway

The tragic death of Barry Wilburn, a Super Bowl champion and standout NFL cornerback, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fire safety. Wilburn's legacy as a talented player and champion will be remembered by the football community.