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Former NFL Star Barry Wilburn Dies in House Fire
Wilburn, a Super Bowl champion with the Washington Commanders, was 62 years old.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Barry Wilburn, a former NFL player who won a Super Bowl championship with the Washington Commanders in 1987, has died in a house fire in Memphis, Tennessee. The 62-year-old was found unresponsive in the hallway of the burning home and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Why it matters
Wilburn was a beloved figure in the NFL, having played nine seasons in the league and winning a Super Bowl title with the Commanders. His sudden and tragic death has saddened the football community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the house fire.
The details
According to reports, the Memphis Fire Department responded to a house fire in the Orange Mound neighborhood at 2 a.m. on February 6th. Firefighters found an unresponsive person, later identified as Wilburn, in the hallway of the burning home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
- The fire occurred on February 6, 2026 at 2 a.m.
- Wilburn's death was announced on February 8, 2026.
The players
Barry Wilburn
A former NFL player who won a Super Bowl championship with the Washington Commanders in 1987. He played college football at Ole Miss and spent nine seasons in the NFL, also playing for the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington Commanders
The NFL team that Wilburn played for and won a Super Bowl with in 1987, when they were known as the Washington Redskins.
What they’re saying
“We're saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington All-Pro and Super Bowl XXII champion Barry Wilburn.”
— Washington Commanders (Twitter)
What’s next
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the house fire that led to Wilburn's death.
The takeaway
The tragic passing of Barry Wilburn, a Super Bowl champion and beloved NFL player, has left the football community in mourning. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fire safety, especially for those who have achieved great success in their careers.
