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Former Dallas Cowboys Player Dead At 86 Years Old

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 12:21 PM ET

Pettis Norman, a former NFL tight end and civil rights activist, died at age 86.

Norman played his first nine of 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, who confirmed his death on Monday night.

"We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman," the Cowboys wrote on social media. "Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently."

Two weeks ago, the Cowboys shared a 10-minute video celebrating Norman's life.

The AFL's Dallas Texans selected Norman in the 1962 AFL Draft, but the Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent after catching the attention of future Hall of Fame scout Gil Brandt. Norman became the first player from Johnson C. Smith, an HBCU in Charlotte, to play in the NFL.

"A Dallas Cowboy, CIAA Hall of Famer, and proud JCSU alumnus, he was more than an athlete — he was a trailblazer," Johnson C. Smith said. "Rest well, legend."

Norman tallied 2,690 yards and 15 touchdowns throughout his NFL career. He played 121 games for the Cowboys before playing 41 games with the San Diego Chargers from 1971 to 1973.

Before joining the NFL, Norman advocated for racial justice as a college student. He participated in lunch-counter protests at segregated restaurants.

During his NFL career, Norman became the first Black official to work at a Dallas bank. The offseason job provided Norman another platform to combat inequality by helping Black customers access loans.

"I tried to do whatever I could to help change those kinds of things that society had operated under for such a long time," Norman said.

Former Cowboys running back Calvin Hill said Norman urged his teammates to engage in the community.

"He encouraged me to get involved civically," Hill said. "Someone once suggested that he could run for mayor and probably get elected. That's how involved he was."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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