Buffalo Bills Legend & 2-Time Champion Has Tragically Passed Away
Stew Barber, a key player for the Buffalo Bills’ back-to-back AFL championship teams in 1964 and 1965, tragically lost his life on June 11, 2025. His death came just short of his 87th birthday.
His obituary says he passed peacefully at his home with his family.
Barber played primarily as an offensive tackle after a successful rookie season as an outside linebacker after he was taken as a fourth-round pick in the 1961 AFL draft.
Barber, who earned All-American honors at Penn State as a two-way tackle, was also selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the NFL draft.
The Bradford, Pennsylvania native chose to stay close to home and signed with Buffalo.
After a rookie season at outside linebacker, where he posted three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, Barber was moved to offensive tackle.
Stew Barber would stick with that position for the remainder of the decade.
Barber was All-AFL first team in 1963 and 1964 and second team in 1966. He also was named to the second-team AFL All-Time Team.
He missed only one game in his career, which ended after the 1969 season.
His obituary stated that he broke his own father’s high school shot put record and received full scholarship offers in basketball and football.
Fans React To The Death of Stew Barber
Former Bills offensive tackle Stew Barber died June 11, the team announced Sunday.
Barber played on the Bills’ AFL title teams in 1964 and 1965 and was a five-time AFL all-star in his nine seasons.
Here is how fans reacted to his tragic death:
“🙏,” as one fan put prayer hands.
“R.I.P.,” a second fan stated.
“RIP to a Bills legend. Tough loss for the franchise and fans. Always respect for the OGs who paved the way. (And yeah, @Michael_ReedSEA’s right—markets would’ve been wild if this dropped during peak NFL hours.),” a third fan said of Stew Barber.
“Serious resume,” a fourth fan said of his accolades.
