News of Marion Barber’s passing at the age of 38 was a blow felt by the entire football community.
Many of those who coached him, played with him, played against him, covered him in the media, or simply watched him run the ball in his one-of-a-kind style took to social media Wednesday night and early Thursday to voice their grief and pay tribute to the unique talent of “Marion the Barbarian.”
Forever in our hearts. #MarionTheBarbarian
➝ https://t.co/07O772UDK9 pic.twitter.com/MlAlmGOWAT
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 1, 2022
His physical style and relentless spirit were infectious! Showed up in how he practiced! Showed up in how he played in games! It was impossible not to notice #24! He leaped off the tape! As great a player as Marion was, he was an even better person.
— Jason Garrett (@JasonGarrett) June 2, 2022
He would run through the wall for you and he always had your back! I absolutely love Marion Barber and will miss him very much! Brill and I are so saddened by this news and extend our sincere condolences to the Barber family and all who loved him.
— Jason Garrett (@JasonGarrett) June 2, 2022
no way man No way 💔💔 rest well MB
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) June 1, 2022
Too much to digest, so much too say… This is real life, it can be any of us. We need each other, we need unity… RIP Marion Barber may God rest your soul 🙏🏿 https://t.co/VUth08bxDG pic.twitter.com/cTselDGHc2
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) June 2, 2022
Gone too soon. Rest In Peace MB (Marion Barber III). If you knew or liked him as a player, please share your favorite memory. Love bro🙏🏾
— terence newman (@terencenewman) June 2, 2022
Man I am so heart broken. Damn MB. Been holding it in since I got the news earlier today. Man, #24!! This hurts. 😞 81X24
Rest In Peace 🙏🏾🕊 #Cowboys @24marionbarber @ San Francisco, California https://t.co/vfN3ee6dv6— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) June 2, 2022
Just seen my boy about a month ago. My heart was so full of joy seeing my dawg/brother MB! Heavy heart right now 🥲. I’m in disbelief. Check on your love ones man check on your love ones 🙏🏾❤️ #RestInPeaceMB pic.twitter.com/ZYLh4H9hnL
— roy williams (@roywilliams31) June 1, 2022
The NFL mourns the tragic loss of Marion Barber III and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/NzP9jVeTyp
— NFL (@NFL) June 2, 2022
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Bears RB Marion Barber III. Our hearts go out to his family & friends.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 2, 2022
Mannn I used to watch Marion Barber III tote that rock real proper!!! R.I.P. to the OG man 🙏🏾🕊
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) June 2, 2022
Rest in Peace Marion Barber 🙏🏾
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 2, 2022
Rest In Peace Marion Barber 🙏🏿🕊 #GoneButNeverForgotten
— Thomas Q. Jones (@thomasqjones) June 1, 2022
Our hearts are absolutely broken, as we lost one of the greatest to ever wear the Maroon and Gold today. Our thoughts are with the amazing Barber family during this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/y4qIRebwBr
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) June 2, 2022
.@dallascowboys #MarionBarber was as hard to tackle as any running back in the #NFL for a stretch of 6 seasons. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Gone way to soon. RIP Marion. Your fearless style will live on. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/4cFxlEV5S7
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) June 2, 2022
Cowboys officials remained close to Marion Barber after his playing days. When he was going through troubles, team officials kept in contact with him and offered help if needed. “Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy,” one team official said a year ago about Barber.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) June 1, 2022
I didn’t cover Marion Barber, but I loved watching him play – not just with the Cowboys, but all the way back to his time at Minnesota, when he & Laurence Maroney were the best backfield in America.
Condolences to his loved ones. https://t.co/Z03pT0ngA8
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) June 1, 2022
Marion Barber was my mom’s favorite player. (She told me tonight that she still has his T-shirt.) I know plenty of Cowboys fans feel the same way. He played the game as hard as anybody I’ve ever watched/covered.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) June 1, 2022
Marion Barber scored 28 touchdowns from 2006 to 2007 and started one total game.
He was so, so good at finding the end zone.
One of the best short-yardage running backs in NFL history.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) June 2, 2022
When thinking about Marion Barber, certain things come to mind:
— The “2 yard run” VS Patriots that should’ve easily been a safety
— His intensity and power when carrying the ball thus the name “The Barbarian”
— Him … downtown Dallas … and a piano#RIP #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/2zAxS270hZ
— T̷R̷O̷Y̷ ̷H̷U̷G̷H̷E̷S̷ (@TommySledge) June 1, 2022