Former Bears running back Barber dies at 38
Marion Barber III, who spent his last NFL season as a Bears running back, has died, the Cowboys confirmed Wednesday. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said he was found in his Frisco, Texas, apartment, but did not cite a cause of death. He was 38.
Barber ran for more than 500 yards in all but one of his six Cowboys seasons from 2005-10. As Julius Jones’ platoon partner in 2007, Barber made the Pro Bowl despite not starting a game.
Barber backed up the Bears’ Matt Forte in 2011, rushing 114 times for 422 yards and six touchdowns. His season was marred by a Week 11 gaffe against the Broncos. With the Bears up three and trying to run out the clock with two minutes left, Barber took a handoff left and allowed linebacker D.J. Williams to shove him out of bounds.
The Bears eventually punted and the Broncos tied it on a 59yard Matt Prater field goal. Six plays into overtime, Barber fumbled as the Bears were setting up a field goal. The Broncos recovered and eventually won on a 51yard field goal.
Before he ran for 4,780 yards as a pro, Barber starred at Minnesota, finishing with 35 touchdowns — two more than his father of the same name, who also played for the Golden Gophers.
Patrick Finley
Congress requests Snyder
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform has invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders owner Dan Snyder to appear at a hearing later this month as part of the Congressional investigation into the team’s workplace conduct.
Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney and Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’ 8th District, said they sent letters to the league and team requesting the presence of Goodell and Snyder on June 22.
It was not immediately clear if the committee expected either to make an appearance. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league had received the invitation “and will respond directly in a timely manner.”
Through a spokeswoman, the Commanders said they have assisted the NFL in cooperating with all prior requests from the committee.
Vikings add WR Wilson
The Vikings signed eight-year veteran wide receiver Albert Wilson, adding an experienced option for more depth at the position.
Wilson spent the past four seasons with the Dolphins. Before that, he played four years for the Chiefs. Wilson had a career-high 554 yards with three scores in 13 games in 2017.
Steelers’ Tuitt retires
Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt announced his retirement, saying he feels called to move on from the game following the death of his younger brother in June 2021 and Tuitt’s recent graduation from Notre Dame.