{"id":54063,"date":"2025-06-07T03:37:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T03:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54063"},"modified":"2025-06-07T03:37:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T03:37:46","slug":"breaking-dallas-cowboys-221-game-starter-suddenly-passes-away-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54063","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING: Dallas Cowboys\u2019 221-Game Starter Suddenly Passes Away (Report).."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Aug<\/p>\n

The Dallas Cowboys learned of some tough news this week.\u00a0 One of their long-time legends has passed away.\u00a0 He was an anchor for their team for over a decade.<\/p>\n

Breaking: Dallas Cowboys Legend Suddenly Passes Away (Report)<\/h3>\n
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Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u00a0reported\u00a0that Rafferty had been in the hospital since early May:<\/p>\n

A first-team All-American at Penn State and a member of the Nittany Lions\u2019 undefeated 1973 team, Rafferty was chosen by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1976\u00a0NFL 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\u2019 Super Bowl XII-winning squad. He would also start in Super Bowl XIII, a loss to the\u00a0Pittsburgh Steelers.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 99-yard touchdown run in a Monday Night game against the\u00a0Minnesota Vikings.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Tom Rafferty \u2013 Via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rafferty is survived by his wife, their two children and two grandchildren. Memorial services are pending.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys helmet on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys Make Strong Statement After Heartbreaking News<\/h1>\n
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Tom Rafferty, former center and right guard for the\u00a0Dallas Cowboys, passed away Thursday at the age of 70.<\/p>\n

The former All-American at\u00a0Penn State\u00a0spent his 14-year career with the\u00a0Cowboys\u00a0(1976-1989) and played a key role in their\u00a0Super Bowl\u00a0XII (1977) win.<\/p>\n

Known to his teammates as “Raff,” he played alongside numerous Hall of Famers, including Roger Staubach, Mel Renfro and Tony Dorsett.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rachel Powers, his daughter, spoke to\u00a0The Dallas Morning News, saying Rafferty had been hospitalized in Windsor, Colorado, since suffering a stroke in early May.<\/p>\n

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\"Dallas<\/picture>
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Dallas Cowboys lineman\u00a0Tom Rafferty<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Cowboys organization posted the following on X after Rafferty’s passing.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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