Former Raiders All-Pro Center Barret Robbins Dies at 52

Robbins' former teammate Tim Brown announced the news on social media.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Barret Robbins, a former All-Pro center for the Oakland Raiders, has died at the age of 52. Robbins' former teammate Tim Brown announced the news on social media, stating that Robbins passed away peacefully in his sleep. The cause of death has not yet been publicly released.

Why it matters

Robbins was a key member of the Raiders' offensive line during his nine-year NFL career from 1995 to 2003. He was named a first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in 2002, but missed the Super Bowl that year due to personal issues. Robbins' death is a significant loss for the Raiders organization and the NFL community.

The details

Robbins played all 16 games for the Raiders in 2002 and was named a first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl. However, before the 2003 Super Bowl, Robbins disappeared for 24 hours and was unable to play in the game due to being incoherent. The Raiders went on to lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-21 without him. Robbins later said he had not taken his bipolar disorder or depression medications.

  • Robbins played for the Raiders from 1995 to 2003.
  • In 2002, Robbins was named a first-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl.
  • Before the 2003 Super Bowl, Robbins disappeared for 24 hours and was unable to play in the game.

The players

Barret Robbins

A former All-Pro center who played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Oakland Raiders.

Tim Brown

A former teammate of Robbins on the Raiders and the person who announced Robbins' passing on social media.

Bill Callahan

The Raiders' head coach in 2002 who said Robbins was incoherent and unable to play in the Super Bowl that year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's with great regret I tell you I just received a call from Marissa Robbins informing me that Raiders All-Pro center Barret Robbins passed away overnight. Thankfully, he passed peacefully in his sleep.”

— Tim Brown, Former Raiders Teammate

The takeaway

Barret Robbins' passing is a tragic loss for the Raiders organization and the NFL community. His on-field success and personal struggles highlight the challenges that some players face both during and after their careers. This news will likely prompt further discussions about mental health awareness and support for former athletes.