Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion Has Reportedly Died

John Fitzgerald, a steadfast offensive lineman who dedicated his entire professional football career to the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on April 14 at the age of 77.

His 12 seasons in the NFL left an indelible mark on one of the league’s most storied franchises, where he contributed to two Super Bowl victories and embodied the resilience and consistency that defined the team’s dominant era in the 1970s.

Fitzgerald first tasted championship glory as a backup lineman during the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI triumph over the Miami Dolphins in January 1972. Though not yet a starter, his presence on the roster helped lay the foundation for future success as Dallas built one of the most formidable offensive fronts in the league.

By the mid-1970s, Fitzgerald had earned the starting center position, anchoring the line during the Cowboys’ push to another title in 1977. In Super Bowl XII, a convincing win against the Denver Broncos in January 1978, he not only shielded quarterback Roger Staubach effectively but also made a crucial recovery of a fumble that underscored his reliability in high-pressure moments.

Throughout his prime years, Fitzgerald served as the pivot for a celebrated offensive line known for its toughness and chemistry. Starting in 1973, he held down the center spot through the conclusion of the 1980 campaign as part of the unit famously referred to as the “four Irishman and a Scott” front.

His longevity and dedication to the Cowboys stood out in franchise lore. Fitzgerald retired in January 1982 after appearing in 137 regular-season games, remarkably without ever experiencing a losing season during his time in Dallas. That kind of stability highlighted his value as a dependable performer on a team that consistently contended for honors.

Postseason football became a familiar setting for Fitzgerald, who logged 19 career playoff appearances. According to the team’s official records, this total places him in a tie for 19th on the all-time list for games played in the playoffs with the Cowboys.

One notable innovation in Fitzgerald’s career came in 1975, when head coach Tom Landry decided to implement elements of a spread offense. Fitzgerald adapted quickly to the new demands at center.

“(Landry) told me to start practicing snapping the ball back five yards without looking,” Fitzgerald said. “So I didn’t ask questions. I just did it. … It was a mental thing at first. It took pure repetition before I gained confidence.”

Originally drafted by Dallas in the fourth round of the 1970 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Fitzgerald began his pro journey as a guard before transitioning successfully to center. This positional switch proved pivotal, allowing him to excel in a leadership role along the interior line.

Before joining the Cowboys, his versatility shone through during a brief stint with the Eagles, where he contributed on both sides of the offensive line. His collegiate roots ran deep at Boston College, an institution that recognized his accomplishments by inducting him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.

Fitzgerald’s athletic background extended beyond football. He attended Southbridge High School in Massachusetts, where he starred on the gridiron and also competed as a shot putter for the track and field squad, showcasing the strength and work ethic that would later define his NFL path.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Fitzgerald holds a unique place in Cowboys history for more than just protecting star players and winning rings. He is widely credited with originating the enduring nickname for that legendary offensive line, adding a personal touch to one of the most iconic groups in team lore.

Though he never earned Pro Bowl honors or induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Fitzgerald’s career exemplified quiet excellence and team-first mentality. His steady presence helped shape an era of success for the Dallas Cowboys, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in franchise history.