Barret Robbins, the talented yet troubled center known for his time with the Raiders, has passed away at 52. Robbins, who faced challenges with mental illness and addiction, was suspended from the team just before Super Bowl XXXVII.
The Raiders expressed their sorrow, stating, "The Raiders Family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barret Robbins. He was among the league’s top centers over nine seasons with the Raiders, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2002. Our thoughts and condolences are with Barret’s family and friends during this difficult time."
While the cause of death remains unknown, former teammates shared their condolences. Tim Brown posted, “It’s with great regret I tell you I just received a call from Marisa Robbins informing me that Raiders All Pro center Barrett Robbins passed away overnight. Thankfully, he passed peacefully in his sleep.”
Rich Gannon also paid tribute, saying, “Sad to hear of the passing of my center and former teammate Barret Robbins. RIP my brother!”
Drafted in the second round out of Texas Christian in 1995, Robbins joined the Raiders as they moved back to Oakland. Over nine seasons, he played 121 games, starting 105 of them.
His career peaked in 2002 when the Raiders reached the Super Bowl, and he earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. However, his personal struggles were mounting, marked by alcohol dependency and mental health issues.
In 1996, Robbins experienced disorientation during a trip to Denver, missing the last two games of the season. Despite his engaging personality, he often battled periods of silence and self-medication.
In 2014, Robbins revealed he was three months sober after rehab, dealing with alcohol, performance-enhancing drugs, and head injuries. He noted, “They focused as much on the brain injury as the substance abuse.
I’m already bipolar. I have to take medications.
So even if I’m doing that and staying sober, I still have to deal with issues mentally.”
Robbins became a national story when he went missing before the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers. After a night in Tijuana, he returned without identification and was deemed too incoherent to play by coach Bill Callahan. The Raiders lost 48-21, and teammates voiced their frustrations.
Despite a comeback season and winning the “Ed Block Courage Award,” Robbins’ career was marred by controversy. He was linked to the BALCO scandal, testing positive for steroids, and was released in 2004.
Robbins faced numerous legal issues, including an arrest after an altercation in San Francisco and a violent incident in Miami Beach that led to gunshot wounds and charges. He spent time in mental health facilities and dealt with various legal challenges in Florida.
Robbins’ story is a complex tapestry of athletic prowess and personal struggles, leaving a legacy that resonates with both triumph and tragedy.