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Barry Wilburn, a Super Bowl champion defensive back who played eight years in the NFL, has died, one of his former teams confirmed Sunday. He was 62.
The Washington Commanders announced Wilburn’s death in a social media post. He played in the organization, then known as the Washington Redskins, for five years and was part of the team’s 1987 Super Bowl-winning team.
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Washington Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn (45) celebrates after intercepting Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (not pictured) during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium on January 31, 1988. (Manny Rubio/USA TODAY Sports)
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington All-Pro and Super Bowl XXII champion Barry Wilburn,” the team said. “Sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Wilburn was the victim of a house fire in Tennessee, his family told Action 5 News.
The former Ole Miss standout was taken in the eighth round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games in his rookie season and had 39 tackles that year. He improved massively during his career and earned an All-Pro selection in 1987 when he led the NFL with nine interceptions.
Washington Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn (45) tries to stop Denver Broncos’ Ricky Nattiel (84) from scoring in the first quarter of the NFL Super Bowl 22 football game, Jan. 31, 1988, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)
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During the 1987 playoffs, Wilburn had three interceptions. Two of the three came in Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos. The Redskins won the game 42-10.
Wilburn played with the Cleveland Browns in 1992 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995 and 1996.
Washington Redskins’ Barry Wilburn (45) intercepts a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Super Bowl 22 football game, Jan. 31, 1988, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith, File)
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He played several seasons in the Canadian Football League between his time in the NFL. He played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, BC Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 1994, he became one of a handful of players to win a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl.
