The NFL lost one of its alumni way too soon earlier this month when former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber passed away at the young age of 38. He was found in his Frisco, Texas apartment by police after a wellness check. The cause of his death has yet to be released.
A celebration of his life was held at Huntington Back Stadium, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Barber’s alma mater. A number of family, friends and former teammates were in attendance and spoke highly of Marion, while sharing stories of their time together.
His backfield partner at Minnesota, Laurence Maroney, was among those who spoke. As did his teammate for three years in Dallas, Terrell Owens.
T.O. spoke about a something that many people did not know about Barber—that he was a very talented piano player. It is hard to imagine that a man who played running back in the NFL, in such a violent and aggressive manner, would also be an accomplished pianist. But it’s true, according to Owens.
Barber ended up playing in the NFL for seven seasons, the first six with the Cowboys and his last year coming in 2011 with the Chicago Bears. He had a breakout season in 2007, when he had 12 total touchdowns and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage, while being named to his first and only Pro Bowl. R.I.P. Marion Barber.
