Philadelphia Eagles Legend Billy Ray Barnes Passes Away at 90
Billy Ray Barnes, a renowned figure for the Philadelphia Eagles, passed away Wednesday at the age of 90, as announced by the team.
In a statement released on Friday night, the Eagles shared that Barnes passed in Landis, North Carolina, with family and friends by his side. “He was 90 years old and lived a wonderful life,” remarked his daughter, Billie Burns Akins.
Barnes, who was drafted in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft from Wake Forest, played a significant role on the Eagles’ 1960 championship team.
Throughout his five seasons with the Eagles, he received three Pro Bowl selections. Akins mentioned, “One thing he appreciated about the Eagles was their underdog status in that championship game. He always felt it made him tougher, made him play harder.”
She reflected on the strong bond within that team, emphasizing how they believed in each other. Barnes contributed significantly as a halfback, leading in both rushing and receiving for the championship team.
In total, he rushed for 2,391 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 120 receptions, amassing 1,275 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Akins fondly recalled his experiences with the Philadelphia fans, saying, “I lived there year-round for about eight years. The people of Philadelphia have been really great to me.” After his time with the Eagles, Barnes spent two seasons each with the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins before transitioning to coaching roles with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
In 2010, the Eagles honored him and his teammates during a reunion for the 50-year celebration of the 1960 championship. Akins recalled her father’s humility, mentioning he was often surprised by how people regarded him as one of the greatest.
Ultimately, it was the friendships formed during his time in Philadelphia that he cherished the most. “He talked on the phone with a number of guys over the years. He enjoyed everything about Philadelphia,” Akins noted.
