Eagles Legend Billy Ray Barnes Passes Away at 90

Billy Ray Barnes, a prominent figure in Eagles history, died on Wednesday at the age of 90, as announced by the team.

He passed away in Landis, North Carolina, surrounded by loved ones, as reported by his daughter, Bill Barnes Akins, on the Eagles’ website.

Barnes played as a halfback at Wake Forest before joining the Eagles, selected in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft. His career with the team spanned from 1957 to 1961, during which he was nominated for the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

He was instrumental in helping the Eagles secure their last championship until the 2017 Super Bowl win, when the team triumphed over the Packers in 1960 with a score of 17-13.

Akins shared that, despite his father’s championship ring being stolen, she and her sister managed to get a replacement from the team.

“One thing my dad appreciated was being the underdog during the championship game,” Akins noted. “He said it made him tougher and pushed him to play harder.”

Furthermore, he emphasized that it was the team’s bond and mutual belief that led to their success.

Throughout his five years with the Eagles, Barnes accumulated 2,392 rushing yards and 1,275 receiving yards, with a total of 28 touchdowns. His standout season came in 1959 when he rushed for 687 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Reflecting on his time with the Eagles, he said, “My fondest memories revolve around the fans. I lived there year-round for about eight years, and the people of Philadelphia treated me incredibly well.”

After his time with the Eagles, he was traded to Washington, where he played for two seasons. Later, he wrapped up his career with the Vikings, finishing with a total of 3,421 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns over 98 games.

Barnes later transitioned into coaching, leading the Charleston Rockets in the Continental Football League before working as an assistant with the Saints and Falcons.

Described as a two-time cancer survivor, Akins told the Eagles’ site that her father never quite grasped why people considered him one of the greatest players ever. “The friendships he cultivated have been invaluable. He cherished every connection he made in Philadelphia,” she recalled.