Longtime Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tom Rafferty has died.
Rafferty’s daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed to The Dallas Morning News’ Kevin Sherrington that the 1977 Super Bowl winner has been hospitalized since May. He was 70.
The Cowboys lifer famously bridged the careers of legendary franchise quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Rafferty began his career as a reserve guard during the 1976 season. He became the team’s full-time starting right guard in his second season and started in all three games during Dallas’ 1977 Super Bowl run.
Rafferty remained at right guard until 1980 before transitioning to center in 1981. He held the starting center role down until his final season in 1989, which was also Aikman’s first season at the helm.
The Cowboys released a statement Friday to commemorate Rafferty’s life and career.
“[Tom Rafferty] was a shining example of being a great, trusted teammate and champion, always approaching the game and his role by doing the right thing.”
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 6, 2025
Rafferty also cleared the way for Tony Dorsett’s iconic 99-yard touchdown run in 1983 — the first such rushing TD in NFL history. Big No. 64 created a huge opening that gave Dorsett the runway to accelerate past the Minnesota Vikings defense.
Let’s pay respect to Tony Dorsett’s record-setting 99-yard TD run on Monday Night Football. pic.twitter.com/TdW0sfziwd
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) January 16, 2021
Rafferty played in over 200 regular season games for the Cowboys and was a part of nine different postseason runs.
