Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion Dies

Billy Truax, the dependable tight end whose contributions helped the Dallas Cowboys secure victory in Super Bowl VI, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. His decade-long journey in the National Football League left an enduring mark on the sport, blending toughness, skill, and quiet determination.

Born in Gulfport, Louisiana, Truax excelled early on the gridiron. He earned first-team All-American honors while playing for Louisiana State University. Years later, in 2020, his achievements were further recognized when he entered the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Sugar Bowl.

The Cleveland Browns drafted Truax in the second round of the 1964 NFL Draft, but an injury sidelined him for the entire rookie year. Soon after, he was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams, where his professional career truly took off.

Over seven seasons with the Rams from 1964 to 1970, Truax established himself as a versatile performer, excelling both in blocking and as a pass-catching threat. By 1967, under the guidance of head coach George Allen, he had secured a starting role.

That standout 1967 campaign saw Truax haul in 37 receptions for 487 yards—personal bests at the time—along with four touchdown catches. The Rams posted an impressive 11-1 record before falling to the Green Bay Packers, who went on to claim the Super Bowl, in the postseason.

Challenges arose in 1968 when a wrist fracture limited Truax for much of the year. Despite the setback, he still paced the Rams with 35 catches, demonstrating his resilience and value to the offense.

The 1969 season proved another highlight, as Truax snagged a personal-record five touchdown passes. He again recorded 37 receptions, this time for 431 yards. In the Rams’ lone playoff contest that year, a narrow 23-20 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, he added five more grabs.

Following his tenure in Los Angeles, Truax joined the Dallas Cowboys via a trade in May 1971. In his debut season with the team, he contributed 15 catches for 232 yards and one score.

That year culminated in Truax’s lone Super Bowl appearance, where the Cowboys dominated the Miami Dolphins 24-3 to capture the title.

“Super Bowl VI meant even more to me because it was in Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in front of friends and family,” Truax said to the Greater New Orleans Sports Awards Committee.

“I had played every game that season with the injury and I wasn’t going to miss the Super Bowl in my New Orleans.”

Persistent injuries ultimately led to Truax’s retirement in 1973. Across his career, he amassed 199 receptions, 2,458 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns, numbers that reflect his consistent reliability.

Beyond the professional ranks, Truax’s legacy endures through inductions into prestigious halls. He holds places in the Holy Cross School Hall of Fame as well as the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his impact from high school through college and into the pros.

Truax’s story exemplifies the grit required to succeed in football’s demanding era. From overcoming early setbacks to savoring a championship on home-state soil, his path resonates with fans who appreciate the unsung contributors to gridiron glory.