Former Super Bowl Champion Football Player Dies in Memphis Fire

Barry Wilburn, a star high school player who went on to win a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins, perished in an early morning blaze.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A former Super Bowl champion football player was killed in a fire in Memphis early Friday morning. The Memphis Fire Department responded to a call at an abandoned house in the Orange Mound neighborhood, where they located the body of 62-year-old Barry Wilburn. Wilburn was a star high school player for Melrose High School who went on to play at Ole Miss and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1985, playing defensive back for five seasons.

Why it matters

Wilburn's death is a tragic loss for the Memphis community, as he was a local sports hero who achieved great success in the NFL, including winning a Super Bowl championship with the Washington Redskins in 1987. His passing shines a light on the ongoing challenges of abandoned properties and fire safety in urban neighborhoods.

The details

In 1987, Wilburn led the NFL in interceptions. That same season, the Redskins became Super Bowl champions with a 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos. During the Super Bowl win, Wilburn intercepted two passes by Broncos quarterback John Elway. In the NFL, the Memphis native also played for the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, while winning the Grey Cup with the BC Lions during time in the Canadian Football League.

  • The fire occurred early Friday morning (February 10, 2026).
  • Wilburn played in the NFL from 1985 to 1989.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A 62-year-old former Super Bowl champion football player who was killed in a fire in Memphis.

Washington Redskins

The NFL team that Wilburn played for, winning a Super Bowl championship in 1987.

John Elway

The Denver Broncos quarterback whose passes Wilburn intercepted during the 1987 Super Bowl.

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The takeaway

Wilburn's tragic death is a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges facing many urban communities, from abandoned properties to fire safety concerns. His legacy as a local sports hero and Super Bowl champion will be remembered by the Memphis community.