Former Cowboys, Bears RB Marion Barber III Dies at Age 38

The former Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears running back died at the age of 38.

Annie Gimbel of CBS DFW said that Barber was found dead in his apartment during a welfare check. There were no obvious signs of foul play.

The Cowboys issued a statement.

Dallas Cowboys @dallascowboys

pic.twitter.com/Va9RUr4kLU

During the early 2000s, Barber formed a rushing duo with Maroney, who went on to play in the NFL.

In 2003 and 2004, they each had over 1,100 rushing yards. The team won 10 games and finished in the top 20.

For his collegiate career, Barber averaged 5.7 yards per attempt. Between 2003 and 2004, he had 2,465 yards and 28 touchdown.

Barber was drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round. He amassed 4,562 yards from scrimmage and 44 scores in four years, including 16 in 2006 alone.

The best season for Barber was in 2007, when the Cowboys won the NFC East and finished first in the conference.

He had a career-high 975 rushing yards and 10 touchdown runs. The Cowboys finished second in scoring behind the New England Pats.

The highlight reel shows how good the former Golden Gopher was on the football field.

The Bears signed Barber after the Cowboys released him. He worked as the running back in Chicago before retiring.

His play was remembered by many people upon his death.

Field Yates @FieldYates

Marion Barber was the definition of a tenacious runner. He always made something out of nothing. This was the most incredible 2-yard run ever.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/NwFlgWLtxQ

Ian Hartitz @Ihartitz

RIP Marion Barber. The man was so fun to watch

Marcus Mosher @Marcus_Mosher

Marion Barber was one of the toughest running backs I've ever seen. Ugh. This one hurts.

RJ Ochoa @rjochoa

Marion Barber III was such an under-appreciated player when he played.He was vintage NFL. A beloved Cowboy by just about every fan.

May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/zSzidN10Lr

Taylor Rooks @TaylorRooks

Just awful news. Incredibly sad. Rest In Peace to Marion Barber. All thoughts love and prayers to his loved ones. https://t.co/KzFEf1Zwru

Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24

RIP Marion Barber…just 38 years old.

He spent the 2011 season with the #Bears and was a force to be reckoned with the Cowboys. Such a powerful runner.

Turron Davenport, an analyst for the sports network, remembered the work Barber did in the communities where he played.

TURRON DAVENPORT @TDavenport_NFL

RIP to Marion Barber. 39 yrs old. Gone way too soon. Great dude. I remember working his camp in 2011 in Minnesota. He fed over 100 kids gave them shirts too. Barber purchased over $500k in computers for a less fortunate school district on Dallas that same year. pic.twitter.com/rsS4QDecEE

He had 6,110 scrimmage yards and 59 touchdown in seven seasons.