Tributes paid to EX-NFL star Marion Barber III

Former Dallas Cowboys star running back Marion Barber III was found dead in his apartment on Wednesday.

His death comes just one week before his 39th birthday, on June 10.

It remains unclear what led up to his death, but the Fort Worth Star-telegram reported that Texas police responded to a welfare check at Barber’s apartment on Wednesday because someone in the complex had called about a water leak coming from his apartment.

The police then forced their way in and reportedly found Barber dead.

They are now investigating the death, along with the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

In a statement, the Dallas Cowboys said: ‘We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III.

“Marion was an oldschool, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and team-mates.

“Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

The Chicago Bears also sent its condolences to his family and the NFL tweeted Wednesday night: “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Barber came from a football-loving family, with his dad, Marion Jr and brother, Dominique, also playing in the NFL.

He started his football career as a running back for the University of Minnesota, before joining the Cowboys as a fourthround pick in the 20052006 season.

Barber went on to play seven years in the NFL, including six for the Cowboys, between 2005 and 2011 and one season with the Chicago Bears.

He retired before the start of the 2012 season.

Over the span of his career, Barber gained 4,780 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. His running style even earned him the nickname “Marion the Barbarian”.

His team-mates remembered him on Wednesday as a quiet and respectful man off the field, who punished opponents on the gridiron.

“His physical style and relentless spirit were infectious,” former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett tweeted.

“It was impossible not to notice No. 24. He leaped off the tape,” he said, adding, “I can remember countless runs where he would keep the play alive.

“He always sought out contact. He always delivered the blow. His style of play was infectious.”

Barber never complained about anything, according to former team-mate Greg Ellis, who told USA Today that Barber “epitomized what it means to be humble”.

Garrett added: “As great a player as Marion was, he was an even better person.

“He loved his team-mates and his coaches. His team-mates and coaches loved him.

“Anyone who had the great fortune to be around him knows the impact he made on all the people in his life.”

He added: “Marion was so genuine, so selfless, so giving. He would run through the wall for you and he always had your back.”

Since he retired from the game, Barber had fallen on hard times.

He had been hospitalised twice for mental health evaluations and in 2019, he was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief for damaging multiple cars while running.

Last year, former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant tweeted that he could no longer enjoy watching old highlights of Barber “because he’s down and out bad”.

And in a tweet on Wednesday, Bryant wrote: “This is real life, it can be any of us.”

Marion Barber III spent six years at the Dallas Cowboys.