13 Facts About Erich Barnes

Erich Theodore Barnes was an American professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League.

Erich Barnes played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers, where he was a two-way player.

Erich Barnes's father, Sylvester, worked as a real estate investor; his mother, Lura, was a housewife.

Erich Barnes attended Elkhart Central High School in his hometown.

Erich Barnes then studied at Purdue University, where he played offensive and defensive halfback, left end, and cornerback for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Erich Barnes registered 257 rushing yards on 62 carries, 319 yards on 20 receptions, 136 yards on seven kickoff returns, and 86 return yards off of his five interceptions during his time with the Boilermakers.

Erich Barnes was one of the favorite receiving targets of Len Dawson, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, but cornerback was his best position.

Erich Barnes was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1958 NFL draft.

Erich Barnes was later traded to the New York Giants in 1961.

Erich Barnes ended his career with 45 interceptions, returning seven for touchdowns.

Erich Barnes was elected to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Erich Barnes married Violet Ward; the couple remained together until his death.

Erich Barnes died on April 29,2022, at a hospital near Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, aged 86, following an unspecified lengthy illness.