Raiders Center Barret Robbins, Who Vanished Pre-Super Bowl, Dies
Barret Robbins, a former center for the Oakland Raiders, has passed away at the age of 52, as confirmed by the Las Vegas Raiders on March 27. The team expressed their condolences to Robbins’ family and friends, reflecting the deep impact of his loss within the Raiders community.
Robbins’ Troubling Super Bowl Experience
Robbins’ life was marked by notable struggles, particularly during the lead-up to Super Bowl 37. This championship game, held on January 26, 2003, in San Diego, saw the Raiders face defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 48-21. Days before the game, Robbins vanished, later returning to the team but deemed unable to participate.
Robbins was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He recounted to ESPN that he believed the Raiders had already won the game, prompting a celebratory trip that took him to Tijuana, Mexico. This episode profoundly impacted his career, leading him into rehabilitation for bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse.
A Career Filled with Achievements and Challenges
Throughout his NFL career, Robbins was celebrated for his performance. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1995 draft after playing college football at Texas Christian University. During his tenure, he participated in 121 regular-season games, starting in 105 of them.
- Pro Bowl Selection: Robbins earned a spot in the Pro Bowl during the 2002 season.
- All-Pro Recognition: He was also named a first-team All-Pro in the same season.
His post-football life saw various legal troubles, including a severe incident in 2005 where he was shot during a confrontation with police and later faced charges for different assaults over the years.
Tributes from Teammates
News of Robbins’ death elicited heartfelt tributes from former teammates. Rich Gannon and Tim Brown shared their condolences on social media. Brown mentioned that Robbins passed away peacefully in his sleep, urging fans to pray for his family and children. He remarked that Robbins’ life was profoundly affected after not being allowed to play in the Super Bowl.
As the Raiders community mourns, they remember Robbins for his contributions on the field and the trials he faced off it.
