Tom Rafferty: Cowboys Lineman Dies at 70
- Tom Rafferty, a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman and Super Bowl XII winner, has died at the age of 70.His daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed that Rafferty passed away...
- Drafted in the fourth round in 1976 out of Penn state, Rafferty spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Cowboys.
- Rafferty started in the Cowboys' Super bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos and their Super Bowl XIII loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tom Rafferty,the stalwart offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and a Super Bowl XII champion,has died at the age of 70,leaving behind a legacy of gridiron excellence. Rafferty’s impressive 14-season career with the Cowboys cemented his place in team history, marked by his crucial role in protecting quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. A pivotal moment in his career includes the legendary block that paved the way for Tony Dorsett’s record-breaking 99-yard touchdown run. News directory 3 remembers him for consistent performance. Rafferty’s impact extended beyond the field, which continued to inspire fans and fellow players. Discover what’s next for the Dallas Cowboys organization and how they plan to honor his memory.
Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl Lineman Tom Rafferty Dies at 70
Updated June 07, 2025
Tom Rafferty, a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman and Super Bowl XII winner, has died at the age of 70.His daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed that Rafferty passed away in Windsor, Colorado, following complications from a stroke.He had been hospitalized since early May.
Drafted in the fourth round in 1976 out of Penn state, Rafferty spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Cowboys. He played in 221 regular-season and playoff games between 1976 and 1989. During that time, he protected Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
Rafferty started in the Cowboys’ Super bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos and their Super Bowl XIII loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His contributions to the Dallas Cowboys earned him recognition as a key player in the team’s history.
Notably, Rafferty delivered the key block on Jan. 3, 1983, that allowed Tony Dorsett to make his historic 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings.The play remains an NFL record.
After retiring from football, Rafferty worked in sports equipment sales. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two grandchildren.
What’s next
The Dallas Cowboys association and its fans are mourning the loss of a Super bowl champion and dedicated player. His legacy as a key offensive lineman will be remembered.