Marion Barber III, a former Dallas Cowboys running back, was discovered dead in his apartment on Wednesday by Frisco Police.
The cause of his death has yet to be determined.
Around 2:40 p.m. on June 1, officers arrived at an apartment in the 9400 block of Stratton Drive that was thought to be leased by Barber, according to Frisco police.
“Frisco Police responded to a welfare concern at an apartment believed to be leased by Marion Barber,” said Joshua Lovell, a police spokesperson, to Fox News Digital. “Frisco Police along with the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating an unattended death at the location.”
Barber, who would have turned 39 on June 10, was selected in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 and played six seasons in North Texas, earning the nickname “Marion the Barbarian” for his hard-hitting, punishing running style.
Barber spent a year with the Chicago Bears after leaving Dallas before retiring from professional football and returning to North Texas.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” said the Dallas Cowboys via Twitter. “Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. 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’s friend Joe Krywalski told NBC 5 on Wednesday that Barber was a wonderful person who was very charitable. Barber was religious, played the piano, and desired to get into boxing.