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Prayers Pouring In For Dallas Cowboys Legend

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 10:23 PM ET

NFL fans got unfortunate news last night as former Dallas Cowboys starting offensive lineman Tom Rafferty passed away at the age of 70.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Rafferty was an All-American offensive lineman at Penn State who went to the Cowboys in the 1976 NFL Draft. He played his entire career Dallas from 1976 to 1989, during which he became a model of consistency.

After starting his career at right guard, he became the team's starting center under the late-great Tom Landry in 1981. Even though he won a Super Bowl playing guard in 1977, he helped contribute to NFL history in a bigger way in 1983, making a key block on Monday Night Football to spring Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett for a record-setting 99-yard touchdown run.

By the time he retired, Rafferty was one of Dallas' all-time leaders in seasons played, games played, consecutive games played and games started.

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— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 6, 2025

Tributes and prayers have been pouring out for Rafferty ever since the news of his passing broke:

"Crushed at the passing of 13 yr @dallascowboys Tom Rafferty at 70. Perfect Landry c-g: quick, smart, tough and reliable. Better person. Funny, sharp, great teammate. Great human. You win with men like Raff. Rest now, friend," Cowboys radio voice Brad Sham wrote on X.

"RIP Tom Rafferty 14 seasons at guard and center for the #DallasCowboys from 1976 though 1989 A steady stawart who played in 221 games — the most for any offensive lineman in #Cowboys history," NFL historian Kevin Gallagher wrote.

"A proper legend gone. Respect to him—football’s got a bit less grit without characters like Tom," a third wrote wrote.

The Cowboys themselves released a tribute to their fallen legend:

"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 XII championship over the Denver Broncos.

"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...

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He will be missed."

As do ours.

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

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