Former Eagles Cornerback Barry Wilburn Dies in Memphis House Fire
Barry Wilburn, a former NFL cornerback best known for his time with Washington and a brief but impactful stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, has died following a house fire in Memphis. The fire broke out early Friday morning in the Orange Mound neighborhood, and Wilburn was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reports.
Wilburn, an eighth-round pick in the 1985 NFL Draft, carved out a noteworthy career that spanned over a decade across the NFL and CFL. He made his biggest mark with Washington, where he played a central role in the team’s Super Bowl XXII victory over the Denver Broncos. In that game, Wilburn picked off Hall of Famer John Elway, helping to seal a dominant win on football’s biggest stage.
His 1987 season remains one of the most impressive single-year performances by a defensive back in league history. Wilburn led the NFL with nine interceptions and earned First-Team All-Pro honors, showcasing his instincts, ball skills, and ability to change the game from the secondary.
After stops with the Browns and Chiefs, and a couple of seasons in the CFL, Wilburn joined the Eagles in 1995. While he wasn’t a starter, he was a reliable presence off the bench, suiting up for all 16 games that season.
One of his most memorable moments in midnight green came in a crucial December matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. With the Eagles trailing and the Cardinals threatening to score again, Wilburn recovered a fumble by Garrison Hearst in the end zone, flipping momentum back to Philadelphia.
The Eagles wouldn’t allow another point after that, rallying to win 21-20 and clinch a playoff berth.
Wilburn returned to the Eagles in 1996, appearing in seven games and starting two, before finishing his playing career with one final season in the CFL.
His passing marks the second tragedy to strike the Eagles’ 1995 roster in recent weeks. Kevin Johnson, another defensive contributor from that team, was recently killed in California. Johnson, 55, was the victim of a homicide currently under investigation, with authorities exploring a potential connection to a suspected serial killer.
Johnson had bounced around early in his career after being drafted by the Patriots in 1993, spending time with the Vikings and Raiders before finding a home in Philadelphia under head coach Ray Rhodes. He quickly became a disruptive force on the defensive line, tallying six sacks that season-third-most on the team.
The loss of both Wilburn and Johnson is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change, even for those who once shined under the bright lights of the NFL. Wilburn’s legacy, especially his Super Bowl heroics and his clutch play in a pivotal Eagles win, will be remembered by fans who saw him make the most of every opportunity on the field.