Former Washington Commanders Star Barry Wilburn Dies in House Fire

The 62-year-old Super Bowl champion was killed in a blaze at his Memphis home.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Barry Wilburn, a former NFL cornerback who won a Super Bowl with the Washington Commanders (then known as the Redskins) in 1987, has died in a house fire at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. The 62-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after firefighters responded to the early morning blaze on February 6th. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Why it matters

Wilburn was a standout player during his five seasons with the Commanders, leading the NFL in interceptions in 1987 and playing a key role in the team's Super Bowl XXII victory. His sudden and tragic passing has saddened many of his former teammates and fans, who are remembering his contributions to the team's championship run.

The details

According to reports, the Memphis Fire Department responded to the house fire in the early morning hours of February 6th. Firefighters found Wilburn inside the home and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities.

  • The house fire occurred on February 6, 2026.
  • Wilburn's death was announced by the Washington Commanders on February 8, 2026.

The players

Barry Wilburn

A former NFL cornerback who played for the Washington Commanders (then known as the Redskins) from 1985 to 1989, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 1987.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team that drafted Wilburn in 1985 when they were known as the Washington Redskins. They announced his passing on February 8, 2026.

Tim Thompson

Wilburn's former high school football teammate at Melrose High School in Memphis, who described him as a "role model".

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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 💛”

— Washington Commanders (Instagram)

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

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

What’s next

The cause of the house fire that claimed Wilburn's life is still under investigation by the Memphis Fire Department.

The takeaway

The sudden and tragic passing of Barry Wilburn, a former Super Bowl champion with the Washington Commanders, has saddened many of his former teammates and fans who remember his standout play and leadership during the team's championship run in the late 1980s.