Erich Theodore Barnes
Erich Theodore Barnes (July 4th, 1935 - April 29, 2022) was one of the most accomplished athletes to come out of the city of Elkhart. Erich was a multi-sport athlete for the Elkhart Central Blue Blazers, where he excelled in track, football, and basketball. On the basketball court he led the Blue Blazers to a 1954 sectional championship, where he was the sectional leading scorer with 55 points and carried the team all the way to the Indiana Final 4. On the football field, his success earned him all-state honors.
After an impressive high school career, Barnes committed to play both basketball and football at Purdue University. While his basketball role was limited, on the football field, it was a different story. By his sophomore year, he was playing on both sides of the ball. He played left defensive end, defensive back, and halfback before ultimately finding his main position, defensive back.
In 1958, Barnes graduated with his bachelor's degree and entered the 1958 NFL draft, where the Chicago Bears selected him in the 4th round (42nd overall). He was fast to make his mark. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1960 before being traded to the New York Giants, where he was honored with 4 back-to-back Pro Bowl selections (1961-1964) and played in the NFL Championship games. In 1961, Barnes also set an NFL record with a 102-yard interception returned for a touchdown, which has only been tied, not broken, today. In 1965, he joined the last team he would play for the Cleveland Browns. He earned a final Pro Bowl selection that same year. Throughout his career, he cemented himself as one of the best defensive backs of the era and was named to the 1960s All-Decade Team. Barnes finished his truly incredible career in 1971 with a total of 51 career interceptions.
Barnes' success is truly remarkable. Not only because of his skill, but because he excelled during a time when black athletes faced challenges far beyond the field. During a time when the NFL was still opening its doors to Black players, Barnes and other African American athletes took on more than just the pressures of the game. They also had to navigate discrimination and the limits placed on their opportunities. Barnes' role in breaking the barrier made him a source of pride for Elkhart's black community and inspired the next generation of young athletes to chase their dreams.
After retiring from the NFL, Barnes built a successful career as a corporate events planner in New York City. He also continued to give back to the community through the NFL Alumni “Caring for Kids” program, where he mentored the youth and helped to create opportunities for the next generation. His contributions to the sport of football were recognized with his induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Purdue University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
Today, Barnes is not only remembered as an elite NFL defensive back but as a role model who used his platform to uplift others. His legacy will continue to live on, especially in the City of Elkhart.
What will YOU do?
Do not just look at what others have done. They were second-graders at one time, teenagers. They were regular people who decided to be courageous. We all have that choice.
AI-generated portrayal. This video uses AI to recreate the likeness/voice of Bill Phillips for tribute purposes. Not an actual recording.
Honoring Our Heritage
Celebrating African American excellence in Elkhart, IN, is more than a tribute; it's a movement that empowers local youth by connecting them with the rich history and achievements of their community. By highlighting the successes of African American leaders, we aim to inspire the next generation to dream big and achieve greatness.
Located in the historic Roosevelt School Building, our initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a source of pride for the Elkhart community. Through educational programs and community events, we foster a deeper understanding of the significant contributions made by African Americans, encouraging young people to pursue their aspirations.
Join Us in Celebrating Heroes
Visit and get involved
The House of Heroes invites students, families, and community members to step inside, learn, and reflect on the people who helped shape today’s Elkhart. Educators, churches, and organizations are encouraged to schedule group visits, use the space for storytelling and discussion, and connect these histories to the challenges and opportunities of the present.
Visitors are also invited to nominate future honorees whose lives reflect the same spirit of service, courage, and community building seen in the House of Heroes. In this way, the room remains a growing, living tribute to the Black leaders who keep moving Elkhart forward.
