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

‘Mourn The Passing’: Dallas Cowboys Release Statement After Tight End, Civil Rights Icon Dies

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:02 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys released a statement on Tuesday to remember a former draft pick who became a civil rights hero. Per a post on X by the Cowboys, former tight end Pettis Norman died at 86.

“We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norma,” the Cowboys posted on X. “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.”

Former Dallas Cowboys TE Pettis Norman died

The Cowboys selected Norman with the No. 123 pick in the 1962 draft. The college football standout at Johnson C. Smith played with Dallas through 1970 before finishing his career with the San Diego Chargers.

Pettis was part of the Cowboys team that made it to Super Bowl V, losing to the Baltimore Colts. He also played in Dallas’ 21-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the “Ice Bowl.”

According to The Dallas Morning News, Pettis helped fight segregation when he joined the Cowboys.

“I addressed the issue of segregation, which percolated beneath the surface of the Dallas Cowboys franchise, with both Coach [Tom] Landry and Tex Schramm,” Norman said in a previous interview with The News. “First, I went to Tex to discuss it. ‘It’s really time we change it,’ I told him. ‘We are a team. We cannot separate by color. It sends the wrong message to us and the community.’”

Norman played in 162 games and started in 122 games. He recorded 183 receptions for 2,492 yards and 15 touchdowns during his 12 years in the league.

Following news of Norman’s death, fans took to social media to remember the Cowboys legend.

“I was proud to know him. I greatly respect what he did with his life especially off football field where he was tireless worker & advocate for our community. Always with ready smile; the beloved Big man knew no strangers. May he rest in power; a prince among men, Pettis Norman,” wrote a fan.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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