BUFFALO BILLS icon Stew Barber has sadly passed away.
He died at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday at the age of 86 – just three days before from his birthday.
Barber (#77) won the AFL Championship twice[/caption]
Barber was an offensive tackle in the Bills team that won back-to-back AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.
The five-time AFL All-Star was a talented sportsman from a young age, breaking his father’s high school shot put record and receiving scholarships from Penn State in both football and basketball.
When he graduated in 1961, both the Dallas Cowboys and the Bills wanted him.
He faced a huge decision after being selected 25th overall by the Bills and 30th overall by the Cowboys.
Barber opted to move to New York state as it was closer to his Pennsylvania home.
He went on to play for the Bills for nine years, missing just one match through injury.
His career began as an outside linebacker before switching to protect quarterback Jack Kemp.
Barber retired in 1969 – never featuring in an NFL game as the merger occurred a year later.
Though he remained involved with the Bills as a college scout, assistant general manager and vice president.
Barber also had spells as a coach with the New York Stars and Charlotte Hornets in the mid 1970s.
After stepping back from football, he helped raise his five daughter and their grandchildren alongside wife Vicki, who he met while at Penn State.
Barber was described as a “humble man with an incredible work ethic that he passed down to his children”.
Tributes from fans said: “Rest in peace, Stew.”
Another added: “One of the best offensive tackles in the American Football League. Helped the Bills have the best line in the East for a number of seasons.”
More wrote: “5-time AFL All-Star. Why not in the Hall of Fame?”
