Barret Robbins, the former Raiders center whose promising career was overshadowed by his disappearance before Super Bowl XXXVII, died this week at age 52. The team announced his death Friday.
Former teammate Tim Brown confirmed the news on social media, writing, “Thankfully, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Please pray for (his daughters), his family and tons of teammates who will be affected by this.”
Robbins was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft out of TCU. He spent all nine of his professional seasons in Oakland, starting 105 of 121 career games. In 2002, he earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after anchoring the offensive line.
But his legacy became defined by events just before the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. The night before the game, Robbins left the team hotel in San Diego, crossed into Tijuana, Mexico, and spent the day partying under the mistaken belief the Raiders had already won. He had stopped taking his depression medication and returned disoriented, without his wallet or ID. The team suspended him for the game, which the Raiders lost 48-21.
Robbins later entered rehab and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He played the following season but was released in 2004 after being implicated in the BALCO steroid scandal.
After football, Robbins had multiple legal troubles. Former quarterback Rich Gannon posted on social media, “RIP my brother!”
“The thoughts and condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Barret’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the Raiders said in a statement.
