Former NFL center Barret Robbins, a Houston native and TCU Horned Frogs standout who played nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders, died Friday at age 52, according to the team and a former teammate; the cause of death was not immediately known.
The Raiders confirmed Robbins’ death in a statement, noting his career as a second-round draft pick in 1995 and his recognition as a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2002. He played 121 games with 105 starts during his NFL career, all with the franchise.
Robbins played college football at TCU and graduated from Sharpstown High School in Houston.
He missed Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003 after he did not report to the team before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 48-21. Authorities hospitalized Robbins in San Diego before the game, and he later entered treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic, where doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. Robbins later said he experienced a manic episode during that period.
Former teammate Tim Brown said on social media that Robbins died overnight and extended condolences to his family and former teammates.
Robbins faced legal issues and participated in rehabilitation programs after his football career. He said in interviews that he struggled with mental health and substance use before receiving his diagnosis.
He is survived by his wife and daughters in Houston.