Former Raiders All-Pro Center Barret Robbins Dies at 52

Robbins' former teammate Tim Brown announced the news on social media, expressing sadness over the passing of the nine-year NFL veteran.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:23am

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Barret Robbins, a former All-Pro center for the Oakland Raiders, has died at the age of 52. Robbins' former teammate Tim Brown broke the news on social media, saying Robbins passed away peacefully in his sleep. Robbins played for the Raiders from 1995 to 2003, making the Pro Bowl and being named a first-team All-Pro in 2002. However, he missed the 2003 Super Bowl after disappearing for 24 hours before the game, later saying he had not taken his bipolar disorder medication.

Why it matters

Robbins' passing is a somber moment for the Raiders organization and the NFL community, as he was a talented player whose career was impacted by mental health challenges. His story highlights the ongoing need for better support and resources for professional athletes dealing with conditions like bipolar disorder.

The details

Robbins played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Raiders. Before the 2003 Super Bowl, he disappeared for 24 hours, causing concern. When he returned, coach Bill Callahan said Robbins was incoherent and unable to play. The Raiders went on to lose that Super Bowl 48-21 without Robbins. After his football career, Robbins had multiple issues with law enforcement, including a 2005 incident where he was shot three times by police and a 2016 assault charge.

  • Robbins played for the Raiders from 1995 to 2003.
  • In 2002, Robbins made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro.
  • Before the 2003 Super Bowl, Robbins disappeared for 24 hours and was unable to play in the game.
  • Robbins was released by the Raiders in 2004 for the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
  • Robbins passed away on March 28, 2026 at the age of 52.

The players

Barret Robbins

A former All-Pro center who played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Oakland Raiders. He made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2002.

Tim Brown

A former teammate of Robbins on the Oakland Raiders, who announced Robbins' passing on social media.

Bill Callahan

The head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2003, who said Robbins was incoherent and unable to play in the Super Bowl that year.

Marissa Robbins

Barret Robbins' wife, who informed Tim Brown of Robbins' passing.

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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 Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barret Robbins. Oakland's second-round draft pick out of TCU in 1995, he was among the league's top centers over nine seasons with the Raiders, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2002. He played in 121 career games with 105 starts, all with the Silver and Black.'”

— Raiders Organization

What’s next

The cause of Barret Robbins' death has not yet been officially released by authorities.

The takeaway

Barret Robbins' tragic passing at the age of 52 is a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges professional athletes can face with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, and the need for greater support and resources in the sports community to address these issues.