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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 years old.
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 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. “We send 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 star was selected in the eighth round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games his rookie season and made 39 tackles that year. He improved significantly during his career, earning an All-Pro selection in 1987 when he led the NFL with nine interceptions.
Washington Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn (45) attempts to stop Denver Broncos Ricky Nattiel (84) from scoring during the first quarter of the NFL Super Bowl 22 football game January 31, 1988, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, file)
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In the 1987 playoffs, Wilburn had three interceptions. Two of the three appeared 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.
Barry Wilburn (45) of the Washington Redskins intercepts a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Super Bowl 22 football game on January 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, British Columbia Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 1994, he became one of the few players to win the Gray Cup and the Super Bowl.
