Erich Barnes

Erich Theodore Barnes (July 4, 1935 – April 29, 2022) was an American professional football player who played as a defensive back in the National Football League. Born in Elkhart, Indiana, he was the son of Sylvester, a real estate investor, and Lura, a housewife, and attended Elkhart Central High School in his hometown. He went on to Purdue University, where he was a two-way player for the Purdue Boilermakers from 1956 to 1958, lining up at offensive and defensive halfback, left end, and cornerback. Over his college career he recorded 257 rushing yards on 62 carries, 319 yards on 20 receptions, 136 yards on seven kickoff returns, and 86 return yards on five interceptions. He was one of the favorite receiving targets of quarterback Len Dawson, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, though cornerback was his strongest position. Barnes was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round, 42nd overall, of the 1958 NFL draft. In the NFL he was a six-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, earning first-team honors in 1961. He died on April 29, 2022.