Tom Rafferty, Dallas Cowboys Ironman and Super Bowl Hero, Dies at 70 After Stroke

Dallas Cowboys Legend Tom Rafferty Passes Away: NFL Mourns a Titan of the Trenches

Tom Rafferty, longtime Dallas Cowboys center, dies at age 70 after a stroke, leaving a lasting NFL legacy. Learn about his inspiring career.

The football world is mourning after Tom Rafferty, renowned Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman, died Thursday in Windsor, Colorado, at age 70, following complications from a stroke suffered earlier in May. His daughter shared that he battled bravely in hospital before his death, marking the end of a legendary life in football and beyond.

A Dallas Cowboy From Draft Day to Retirement

Drafted in the fourth round in 1976 by the NFL powerhouse Dallas Cowboys, Tom Rafferty’s football destiny was sealed from the start. He never donned any helmet but Dallas’s iconic star, anchoring the team’s offensive line throughout a remarkable 14-year career.

Rafferty played alongside NFL icons such as Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, embodying toughness, reliability, and commitment. Taking over right guard duties early in his career, he soon transitioned to the center position, directing traffic in the trenches and keeping quarterbacks clean.

How Did Rafferty Shape Dallas Cowboys History?

Rafferty’s career is etched in NFL lore. His 167 consecutive starts set a franchise longevity record, a testament to both his durability and unyielding spirit. The league’s brutal pace couldn’t keep him off the field. In all, he appeared in 203 games—starting 182 of them—a rare feat in the modern era.

He helped power the Cowboys to two Super Bowl appearances, providing crucial blocking on those legendary postseason runs. His blend of agility and smarts made him a reliable mainstay, beloved by coaches and teammates.

What Was His Life After Football Like?

Rafferty retired after the 1989 season, passing the torch to Mark Stepnoski. But the gridiron wasn’t his only field of conquest. He launched a successful career in sports equipment sales, remaining close to the game he loved and impacting the next generation of athletes.

Why Does Rafferty’s Legacy Endure in 2025 and Beyond?

As the NFL continues to evolve—faster, bigger, more competitive—Rafferty’s model of faithful excellence still inspires today’s linemen. His franchise streak remains a benchmark. Modern fans and young players alike can look to his career for lessons in resilience, consistency, and leadership on and off the field.

How Did the NFL Community Respond?

News of Rafferty’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from former Cowboys, the wider ESPN sports world, and generations of fans who grew up watching him protect the stars of America’s Team.

Q&A: What Made Tom Rafferty a Standout NFL Ironman?

Q: What positions did Tom Rafferty play for the Cowboys?
He started at right guard, moved to center, and excelled at both.

Q: What made his streak of consecutive starts so notable?
NFL offensive linemen face constant injury threats. Rafferty’s 167 consecutive starts set a new bar for durability and commitment—a record that stood for years.

Q: Who did Rafferty play alongside?
He snapped balls to legends like Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, helping them shine.

How to Remember Tom Rafferty’s Impact on the NFL

– Explore his place in NFL history books
– Watch classic Dallas Cowboys games from the late ’70s to late ’80s
– Read tributes and obituaries from leading sports outlets like Sports Illustrated
– Encourage young athletes to study his approach to consistency, teamwork, and professionalism

Honor Tom Rafferty’s memory by embodying his toughness, dedication, and sportsmanship—on the field, in business, and in life.