What nfl player died recently

Police found Marion Barber's body in an apartment in Frisco, Texas. The former Dallas Cowboys running back is seen here in 2010.

Former NFL running back Marion Barber has died at age 38, as police in Frisco, Texas, found his body in an apartment following a wellness check. Barber was a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2000s. A cause of death has not been announced.

Barber's life after football was one of struggle, marked by concerns about his mental health and encounters with police in the Dallas metro area. Those mourning him include his former teammate Dez Bryant, who said last summer that he couldn't enjoy watching archival highlights of Barber's playing days, knowing the troubles he faced after his NFL career.

"RIP Marion Barber may God rest your soul," Bryant said on Twitter. In a video, he urged athletes to look out for themselves, noting the deaths of former NFL players such as Demaryius Thomas and Vincent Jackson — who, like Barber, died in their 30s.

Frisco police were called to an apartment they believe Barber was leasing, a department representative told NPR. After officers entered, they found Barber's body. An investigation into "an unattended death at the location" is now under way, in conjunction with the coroner's office.

During his career, Barber's ferocious running style made him a fan favorite, and his coaches often called on him to finish scoring drives, fighting his way through defenders and into the end zone.

In 2007, his third season, Barber led the Cowboys with 10 touchdowns and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, despite not being named a starter for a single game. In the Cowboys' record books, only three players have scored more than Barber's 47 rushing touchdowns.

The team released a statement saying it's heartbroken by Barber's death.

"Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down," it said. "He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion's family and friends during this difficult time."

Barber played seven seasons in the NFL, including six with the Cowboys, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2005, and one with the Chicago Bears. He retired after the 2011 season.

Gone too soon. Football fans have had to mourn many surprising deaths in 2022 including NFL athletes such as Jaylon Ferguson and Jeff Gladney.

In June 2022, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed that Ferguson passed away at the age of 26. “We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jayson Ferguson,” a statement from the team read. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon.”

The outside linebacker’s agent also reflected on her client’s sudden passing, telling NBC News, “He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family asks for your continued prayers.”

The Louisiana native, who was drafted in 2019, was reportedly found unresponsive and pronounced dead with no signs of trauma or foul play. According to ESPN, authorities responded to a call in northern Baltimore and no official cause of death has been announced yet.

Ahead of his shocking death, Ferguson celebrated Father’s Day with his son and two daughters. He shared his kids with Doni Smith. “How am I going to tell my babies,” Smith tweeted in response to the news. “Until eternity. Get your rest my love!!!”

Ferguson previously gushed about getting to expand his family. “My best friend my boy my first born my only son the one who will be the future sack daddy turned 3 years old on this date and we gone party!!!!!” he wrote via Instagram honor of his son’s special day in November 2020. “Happy birthday Jyce O’Neal Ferguson Mama and daddy love you so much and we are greatful for u.”

Gladney’s passing also shocked sports supporters when he died in a car crash at the age of 25. “We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss,” the Arizona Cardinals tweeted in May 2022.

The Texas native, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, was a victim of a fatal accident in Dallas. His cousin Sharonda Francois reflected on his passing, telling WFAA, “He was very loved by us all. He was an all-around good kid and his contagious smile is what he was known for. He hosted football camps, he took care of our kids at family gatherings. I mean, money did not change him, he was still the same down to Earth cousin. He was just so well-loved.”

Scroll down for the heartbreaking NFL tragedies of 2022:

1 of 6

Tony Siragusa

The former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle died in June 2022 at age 55. Siragusa's broadcast agent, Jim Ornstein, confirmed the news to the Associated Press, saying: “This is a really sad day. Tony was way more than my client, he was family. My heart goes out to Tony’s loved ones.” A cause of death was not immediately revealed.

Credit: Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock

2 of 6

Jaylon Ferguson

The Baltimore Ravens player died at the age of 26 in June 2022. According to ESPN, Ferguson was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at his home. At the time, it was reported that there was no trauma or foul play and an official cause of death is still to be determined.

Credit: Gail Burton/AP/Shutterstock

3 of 6

Marion Barber III

The former NFL player was found dead in June 2022. Barber, who passed away at the age of 38, was discovered in his apartment during a welfare check. His cause of death is currently unknown. Ahead of his death, the Minnesota native played for his home state's Golden Gophers and the Dallas Cowboys.

Credit: Tannen Maury/EPA/Shutterstock

4 of 6

Jeff Gladney

Gladney died in a car crash at the age of 25. The Arizona Cardinals player was one of two victims of the accident, which occurred in May 2022. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the cause of the crash after the vehicle was reportedly speeding and lost control. 

Credit: Michael Conroy/AP/Shutterstock

6 of 6

Shane Olivea

The former San Diego Chargers player died in March 2022 at age 40. Three months later, E! News reported that the New York native died from "hypertensive heart disease," with the contributory cause of death attributed to "obesity." While playing in the NFL, Olivea developed an addiction to painkillers, checking in to rehab in 2008. He later said that he took 125 Vicodin tablets per day at the height of his addiction, estimating that he spent nearly $584,000 on pills.

Credit: Ross D Franklin/AP/Shutterstock

New details are still emerging about NFL player Shane Olivea‘s death.

According to documents obtained by E! News on June 21, the 40-year-old San Diego Chargers star died from "hypertensive heart disease," with the contributory cause of death attributed to "obesity." The former athlete's manner of death has been ruled as natural. 

Olivea passed away on March 2, with the NFL team confirming his death in a statement the following day. 

The team paid tribute to the former lineman by recalling when Olivea was first selected to join the Chargers and sharing the legacy he leaves behind. 

"Olivea was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round (No. 209 overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State," the March 3 statement read. "He played four seasons in San Diego, starting in 57 of 60 games played."

The team's message continued, "In 2006, Olivea was an integral piece of an offensive line that helped Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson break the NFL's single-season touchdown record."

After four years with the Chargers, Olivea was discharged due to a painkiller addiction, according to AP News. Once he left rehab, he joined the New York Giants, with a back injury ultimately cutting his time with the team short.