Former Washington Redskins Star, Super Bowl Champion, Killed in House Fire

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

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Washington Commanders confirmed that former cornerback Barry Wilburn, a Super Bowl champion with the team, was killed in a house fire in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday morning. Wilburn, 62, was a standout player at Melrose High School in Memphis before going on to star at Ole Miss and in the NFL, winning Super Bowl XXII with the Redskins in 1988.

Why it matters

Wilburn was a beloved figure in the Orange Mound community of Memphis, where he grew up and was known as a role model. His death in a tragic house fire has shocked and saddened many who remember his football accomplishments and community service.

The details

Memphis Fire Department crews responded to the blaze at an abandoned house in the Orange Mound neighborhood early Friday morning. Wilburn was found dead at the scene after the flames were extinguished. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

  • The fire occurred early Friday morning, February 7, 2026.
  • Wilburn was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A former cornerback who played for the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles, winning the Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1988. He was a standout player at Melrose High School in Memphis and the University of Mississippi before going pro.

Tim Thompson

Wilburn's former football teammate at Melrose High School in Memphis, who looked up to Wilburn as a role model.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team formerly known as the Washington Redskins, who confirmed Wilburn's death.

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What they’re saying

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

— Tim Thompson, Wilburn's former high school teammate (myfox8.com)

“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 former high school teammate (myfox8.com)

“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 former high school teammate (myfox8.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

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