Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins made the Pro Bowl in 2002, but he also went AWOL the day before the Super Bowl.
Former Las Vegas Raiders center Barret Robbins has died at the age of 52, with his passing reported by Josh Alper in Pro Football Talk and multiple other outlets. The cause of death was undisclosed, which was appropriate given Robbins’ history.
Robbins was a second-round draft pick out of Texas Christian who joined the Raiders in 1995, and he remained with the team throughout his career. He became a starter in his second season, and Robbins was named an All-Pro in 2002. He also made the Pro Bowl that year, and Robbines started a total of 105 times before retiring at the end of the 2002 season.
Unfortunately, much of Robbins’ notoriety came off due to incidents off the field when he disappeared the day before the Super Bowl early in 2003 and wound up not playing. He later revealed that he had what he called a manic episode that was related to his issues with bipolar disorder, and Robbins said he forgot to take his medication and never took the field. The Raiders lost the Super Bowl that year to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 48-21.
The attitudes toward professional athletes who struggled with mental health issues were very different back then, and it was believed that Robbins’ alleged substance abuse and erratic behavior were connected to what happened. Robbie tried to return to football in 2003, but he was suspended by the NFL after violating its substance abuse policy.
Robbins’ struggles got worse as his life after football continued. He was arrest in Florida after a standoff with police in 2005, and in 2011 he was arrested again after another confrontation. That incident included charges of attempted murder as Robbins was shot by an officer and hospitalized.
The former Raider center spoke out extensively about his illness and struggles in the years that followed, and Robbins has also discussed his Super Bowl experience, the issues he’s battled while living with bipolar disorder and regrets about how events that unfolded. He also spoke frankly about the relapses and years of instability that have followed.
On the field, Robbins was just the fifth center in Raiders history when he became a starter in 1996. He became part of a powerful unit that helped lead the Raiders to considerable success and multiple playoff appearances and runs. His football legacy is part of the Raiders’ tradition of producing exceptional offensive lineman who were known for their grit and toughness.