R.I.P.: Denver Bronco turned artist Ernie Barnes

Ernie Barnes, who died yesterday, is a former Denver Bronco -- but his days on the gridiron constitute one of the less interesting aspects of his career. After his playing days were done, he became a successful artist, creating canvases that drew upon sport and life with vibrancy and élan...

By Michael Roberts

May 1, 2009

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Ernie Barnes, who died yesterday, is a former Denver Bronco -- but his days on the gridiron constitute one of the less interesting aspects of his career. After his playing days were done, he became a successful artist, creating canvases that drew upon sport and life with vibrancy and élan. His personal website, ErnieBarnes.com, which opens with the somber yet cool image seen above, offers a wonderful gallery of his work. Click "Continue" to see a sampling, and then visit his site, to see why his artistic accomplishments will be remembered for longer than his exploits on the football field.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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