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.
