Barret Robbins, a former Pro Bowl center for the Oakland Raiders, has passed away at the age of 52. The news was shared by Tim Brown, a former Raiders wide receiver, who announced Robbins' passing on social media.
"It's with great regret I share that I received a call from Marissa Robbins informing me that Raiders All-Pro center Barret Robbins passed away peacefully in his sleep," Brown wrote. "Please keep his family and teammates in your thoughts."
Robbins' career, marked by talent and challenges, saw him struggle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. These issues came to a head the day before Super Bowl XXXVII when Robbins went missing, later found in Tijuana, leading to his benching by coach Bill Callahan.
The Raiders went on to lose the game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 48-21. Robbins later admitted he hadn't taken his medication, which contributed to his absence.
Drafted in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft from TCU, Robbins played his entire career with the Raiders, starting every game from 1996 to 2003. However, his time with the team ended in 2004 after ties to the BALCO performance-enhancing drug scandal.
Robbins' battles extended beyond the field. In January 2005, he was involved in a confrontation with Miami police, resulting in him being shot and surviving. In 2016, Robbins faced charges for an assault incident in Florida.
Robbins' story is a reminder of the complex challenges athletes can face, both during and after their careers. His passing leaves a legacy of both talent and struggle, impacting many who knew him.