MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Tigers fans are mourning the death of former linebacker Danton Barton Sunday night.
According to reports from family and friends, Barto died Sunday after being hospitalized with COVID-19.
Tigers coach Ryan Silverfield posted on Twitter, "The entire Memphis football program mourns the loss of the great Danton Barto. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and so many that knew and loved him."
Barto was a member of the Memphis Tigers’ Athletic Hall of Fame. Inducted in 2007, at that time he led the school for career solo tackles – 273 – and career total tackles – 473, and was second for all-time assisted career tackles with 200.
After the Tigers, Barto went on to play in the CFL and AFL. He coached the Memphis Xplorers in the AFL2, earning Coach of the Year honors after leading the team to its first-ever league championship.
He became head coach for the AFL’s Las Vegas Gladiators in the 2007 season. He also was an NFL scout for the Rams.
(Memphis Tigers Athletics News Release) - The University of Memphis is mourning the passing of M-Club Hall of Fame (2007) linebacker Danton Barto, who passed away Monday at 50 years old.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Danton Barto,” Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield said. “He was a Memphis Tiger legend, on and off the field. He was beloved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers from our entire community are with his family and his loved ones as we remember him today. Obviously, he was a fantastic football player, but those who had the opportunity to get to know Danton, knew that he was an incredible human being.”
Barto is the school record holder for career solo tackles (273) and career total tackles (473) and ranks second all-time with 200 assisted career tackles.
An All-South Independent first team honoree in 1991, 1992 and 1993, Barto was named the All-South Independent Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 after leading Memphis with four interceptions. In 1993, Barto recorded 63 assisted tackles, which still ranks as the fourth-best single season mark in school history. His 144 total tackles that same season was good enough to remain fifth in Tiger history.
Barto earned All-Independent Football Alliance (IFA) Conference first-team honors in both 1992 and 1993 and was the All-IFA Defensive Player of the Year in 1992.
A two-time Southern Living All-South Team honoree (1992, 1993), Barto was presented the Highland Hundred MVP award in both 1991 and 1993.
Following his Tiger career, Barto spent five years playing professional football in the CFL and AFL. The Niceville, Fla., native coached in the AFL2 for the Memphis Xplorers, a team he guided to its first-ever league championship, earning Coach of the Year honors.
He took over as the head coach of the AFL's Las Vegas Gladiators for their 2007 season and served as an NFL scout for the St. Louis Rams.