His daughter has released a statement

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES legend Billy Ray Barnes has passed away at the age of 90.

The former halfback died on Wednesday surrounded by his family.

Billy Ray Barnes has passed away at the age of 90

In a statement given to the Eagles this week, his daughter, Billi Barnes Akins, said: “He was 90 and had a fabulous life.

“One of the things that he loved about the Eagles is in that championship game, they were the underdogs.

“Dad always liked being the underdog. He said it made him tougher, made him stronger, made him play harder.

“He said the only thing that allowed them to win was their team. They were a team that was really tight and believed in each other.”

Barnes spent five seasons in Philadelphia from 1957 to 1961 and helped the franchise win a Championship.

He then spent two seasons with the Washington Redskins – now known as the Washington Commanders – and two with the Minnesota Vikings.

The halfback called time on his playing career after the 1966 season and moved into coaching.

In the NFL he worked for the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons.

In her statement, Barnes’ daughter added: “He never realized how people thought of these guys as the greatest ever.

“People you wouldn’t even know would just call him and reach out to him.

“The biggest thing was the friendships that he had made there. They were lifelong.

“He talked to a bunch of guys on the phone for years. He enjoyed everything about Philadelphia.”