Billy Ray Barnes, Philadelphia Eagles Legend and 1960 NFL Champion, Dies at 90
Billy Ray Barnes, a Philadelphia Eagles legend and member of the 1960 NFL championship team, has died at age 90. He passed away in Landis, North Carolina, surrounded by family and friends, according to an Eagles statement.
Barnes was a 1957 second-round pick out of Wake Forest and played five seasons with the Eagles. As a halfback on the 1960 title squad, he led the team in both rushing and receiving. Over his Eagles career, he totaled 2,391 rushing yards with 20 rushing touchdowns and added 1,275 receiving yards with eight touchdowns on 120 receptions. His outstanding performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections during those five seasons.
After his tenure in Philadelphia, Barnes played two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and two seasons with the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). Following his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
The Eagles honored Barnes in 2010 with a 50-year reunion commemorating the 1960 championship team. Barnes's daughter, Billi Barnes Akins, recalled how her father cherished the underdog spirit of the 1960 team and valued the strong, lifelong friendships he formed connected to Philadelphia.
