Former Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins, who famously went missing ahead of Super Bowl XXXVII, has died. He was 52.
The Raiders announced Robbins’ death on X last Friday.
Robbins spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders, playing in Oakland from 1995 to 2003. He earned first-team NFL All-Pro honors in 2002.
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“The Raiders family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barret Robbins. Oakland’s second-round draft pick out of TCU in 1995, 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,” the Raiders said in a statement.
“He played in 121 career games with 105 starts, all with the Silver and Black. The thoughts and condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Barret’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to the Associated Press, Robbins left the Raiders’ team hotel the night before Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003.
The report states that he did not take his medication for depression as the team was preparing for the Super Bowl in San Diego.
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He then reportedly crossed the Mexican border to Tijuana before returning to the team hotel. He was suspended for the Super Bowl as the Raiders were blown out by the Buccaneers.
Robbins was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, according to the AP.
Legendary NFL receiver Tim Brown, who was a teammate of Barret Robbins, shared news of Robbins’ death last Thursday night.
Brown said Robbins’ wife called to inform him that her husband had died peacefully in his sleep.
“It’s with great regret I tell you I just received a call from Marissa Robbins informing me that Raiders All Pro center Barret Robbins passed away overnight,” Tim Brown posted on X. “Thankfully, he passed peacefully in his sleep. Please pray for their girls, his family and tons of teammates who will be affected by this!”
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Former Raiders star quarterback Rich Gannon, who was named the NFL MVP in 2002, also posted about Robbins’ death.
“Sad to hear of the passing of my center and former teammate Barret Robbins. RIP my brother!” Gannon said.
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