Former Washington Redskins defensive back Barry Wilburn died in a house fire on Friday in Orange Mound, Tennessee.
Wilburn was a first-team All-Pro with Washington in 1987 after leading the NFL in interceptions. He snagged two interceptions during the team’s 42-10 Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos to cap the season.
“We’re saddened to learn of the passing of former Washington All-Pro and Super Bowl XXII champion Barry Wilburn,” the Commanders posted Sunday on X. “Sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Washington drafted the Ole Miss product in the eighth round of the 1985 draft. He spent five seasons with the franchise, also playing stints with the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions.
Wilburn recorded 246 tackles and 20 interceptions — including one that he returned 100 yards for a touchdown — in his NFL career.
Authorities with the Memphis Fire Department told multiple media outlets they responded to a home fire in Orange Mound around 2 a.m. on Friday. First responders reported locating an unresponsive 62-year-old man in a back hallway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Memphis Fire Department did not publicly identify the victim. But Wilburn’s family confirmed to local news outlets that Mr. Wilburn died in the blaze.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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