The Dallas Cowboys learned of some tough news this week. One of their long-time legends has passed away. He was an anchor for their team for over a decade.
Breaking: Dallas Cowboys Legend Suddenly Passes Away (Report)
Tom Rafferty, who was a key member of the Super Bowl XII-winning Dallas Cowboys offensive line during the late 1970s and 1980s, died Thursday. It was reported that Rafferty had been in the hospital since early May:
A first-team All-American at Penn State and a member of the Nittany Lions’ undefeated 1973 team, Rafferty was chosen by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft, serving as a backup in his rookie season before being named the starting right guard in 1977. The 1977 season would end with Rafferty winning his first and only Super Bowl with the Cowboys, serving as the right guard and long snapper on Dallas’ Super Bowl XII-winning squad. He would also start in Super Bowl XIII, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rafferty became one of the best offensive linemen the Cowboys had in large part thanks to his durability and versatility alike. After Robert Shaw suffered a career-ending knee injury, Rafferty moved to center in 1981 and excelled at the position, helping the Cowboys reach two NFC Championship games after that point. During that period, Rafferty had one of his biggest moments when he and Herb Scott cleared a path for Tony Dorsett’s 99-yard touchdown run in a Monday Night game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Following his retirement after the 1989 season, Rafferty had played in 221 total games for the Cowboys including 167 in a row, which at the time was the franchise record. His resume also included eighteen postseason games, two of which were Super Bowls.
Following his pro football career, Rafferty settled in the Dallas area and worked in sports equipment sales. In 2008, Rafferty was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder involving inflammation of the spinal cord. Despite remaining in the hospital for 48 days, Rafferty refused a wheelchair until he could learn how to walk again.
Rafferty is survived by his wife, their two children and two grandchildren. Memorial services are pending.
Dallas Cowboys Make Strong Statement After Heartbreaking News
Tom Rafferty, former center and right guard for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away Thursday at the age of 70.
The former All-American at Penn State spent his 14-year career with the Cowboys (1976-1989) and played a key role in their Super Bowl XII (1977) win.
Known to his teammates as “Raff,” he played alongside numerous Hall of Famers, including Roger Staubach, Mel Renfro and Tony Dorsett.
At the time of his retirement, he ranked among the franchise’s all-time leaders in seasons played, games played, consecutive games played and games started.
Rachel Powers, his daughter, spoke to The Dallas Morning News, saying Rafferty had been hospitalized in Windsor, Colorado, since suffering a stroke in early May.
Dallas Cowboys lineman Tom Rafferty
The Cowboys organization posted the following on X after Rafferty’s passing.
“The Dallas Cowboys mourn the passing of Tom Rafferty, who was a fixture on the Cowboys offensive line for 14 seasons. His work ethic, durability and versatility shined through as he was at the core of a line that brought Dallas a Super Bowl championship. He was a shining example of being a great, trusted teammate and champion, always approaching the game and his role by doing the right thing. Among the many memorable moments of his career, one stands out, as he helped clear the way for Tony Dorsett’s 99-yard run in 1983. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He will be missed.”
Rafferty was selected by the Tom Landry-led team in the fourth round (No. 119 overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft out of Penn State, just one year before Dorsett joined Dallas.
As the Cowboys mentioned above, one of Rafferty’s career highlights was blocking the way for Dorsett’s famous 99-yard run against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football in 1983. Interestingly enough, the Cowboys only had 10 men on the field.
Rafferty started the first eight games of the 1989 season before rookie and future three-time All-Pro Mark Stepnoski took over the center position. He announced his retirement on April 21, 1990.
