Marion Barber III dies aged 38 as Dallas Cowboys pay ‘heartbroken’ tribute to their ex-NFL running back

Former NFL running back Marion Barber III has died at the age of 38.

The Dallas Cowboys, who Barber spent most of his career with, issued a statement announcing the tragic news.

‘We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III. 

‘Marion was an old-school, 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.”

Police in Frisco, Texas found Barber in his apartment while responding to a welfare check, with the cause of his death unknown at present.

Marion Barber III’s NFL career

Barber was selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Minnesota.

He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cowboys, rushing for 4,358 yards and 47 touchdowns on 1,042 carries, as well as 174 catches for 1,280 yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Barber was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2007 after rushing for a career-high 975 yards, as Dallas topped the NFC East division with a 13-3 record.

In July 2011, just two days after being released by the Cowboys, Barber signed with the Chicago Bears.

He was Chicago’s second choice running back in 2011, behind starter Matt Forte and appeared in 11 games for the Bears, rushing for 422 yards and six touchdowns and registering five receptions for 50 yards.

Barber retired from the NFL in March 2012, following seven seasons in the league.