Former Super Bowl Champion Dies in Tennessee House Fire

Barry Wilburn, a cornerback who won the Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins, perished in a blaze in Memphis.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Washington Commanders confirmed that former cornerback Barry Wilburn, who won Super Bowl XXII with the team in 1988, died in a house fire in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday. Wilburn, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene after firefighters extinguished the blaze in an abandoned home in the city's Orange Mound neighborhood.

Why it matters

Wilburn was a beloved figure in the Memphis community, where he grew up and starred at Melrose High School before going on to play at Ole Miss and in the NFL. His death has devastated those who knew him as both a talented athlete and a generous giver to his hometown.

The details

According to reports, Memphis Fire Department crews responded to the house fire early Friday morning. After putting out the flames, they discovered Wilburn's body inside the abandoned home. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the deadly fire.

  • The fire occurred early Friday morning.
  • Wilburn was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A former cornerback who won the Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins in 1988. He was a beloved figure in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

Tim Thompson

Wilburn's football teammate at Melrose High School in Memphis, who was inspired by Wilburn and wore his jersey number.

Washington Commanders

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

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What they’re saying

“I always looked up to him. He was like a role model.”

— Tim Thompson, Wilburn's high school teammate (WREG)

“Seeing him play in the Super Bowl and get two interceptions, and then co-MVP. Man, come on, that was unbelievable.”

— Tim Thompson, Wilburn's high school teammate (WREG)

“He was exceptional in what he did. He broke all the barriers down in our community. He gave back to our community so much to this day. He's a legend. Truly a legend.”

— Tim Thompson, Wilburn's high school teammate (WREG)

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the deadly house fire that claimed Wilburn's life.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Barry Wilburn, a beloved Super Bowl champion and community leader from Memphis, has left a profound impact on those who knew him best. His legacy as a role model and generous giver will continue to inspire the Orange Mound neighborhood where he grew up.