Veteran Offensive Lineman Tom Rafferty, who played for the Cowboys from 1976 to 1989, passes away at the age of 70.
Here's Tom Rafferty, the Tough and Versatile Veteran Cowboy, Reminisced
Tom Rafferty, the esteemed 70-year old offensive lineman who graced the Dallas Cowboys from 1976 to 1989, bid his final farewell on Thursday. Known for his incredible endurance, adaptability, and significant contributions to the Cowboys success, Rafferty is rightfully regarded as one of the better offensive linemen in Cowboys history.
Rafferty's stellar career was characterized by his remarkable durability. He played an impressive 221 combined regular-season and playoff games at both guard and center, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. In fact, he set a franchise record for 167 consecutive games played at the time[1][2][4]. His flexibility wasn't limited to his tenacity on the field – he began his Cowboys journey as a right guard before moving to center in 1981, stepping up in the absence of a teammate[1][2].
In the glittering Super Bowl era of the Cowboys, Rafferty played a significant role. He started at guard in the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos and continued his run in Super Bowl XIII, though the team unfortunately lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers[2]. Rafferty was part of the infamous "Four Irishmen and a Scott" offensive line, a dynamic group renowned for its potency[1]. He anchored an offensive line that helped the Cowboys march towards two NFC Championship Games[1].
One of the most iconic moments in Rafferty's career occurred on January 3, 1983. His decisive block paved the way for Tony Dorsett's then-record 99-yard touchdown run, a memory that continues to resonate among football enthusiasts[1][2][5].
After retiring from the NFL in 1990, Rafferty immersed himself in sports equipment sales, marking the end of his long and productive career exclusively spent with the Cowboys[1][4]. He leaves behind his wife, their son and daughter, and two grandchildren, a testament to the meaningful life he led both on and off the field.
Rest in power, Tom Rafferty. Your indelible impact on the Dallas Cowboys will never be forgotten.
-Remembering Tom Rafferty
[1] https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RaffTo00.htm [2] https://www.bustingmythynfl.com/the-dawn-of-the-cowboys-dynasty-what-you-may-not-know-about-the-4-irishmen-and-a-scott/ [3] http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1189331/index.htm [4] https://www.profootballtoday.com/news/Jerry-Jones-Says-Dallas-Cowboys-Will-Honor-Tom-Rafferty/ [5] https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/cowboys/cowboys/2020/10/22/tom-raffertys-block-sprung-tony-dorsetts-nfl-record-99-yard-td-versus-minnesota-vikings/
- Tom Rafferty, the esteemed offensive lineman, played a significant role in the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl era, starting at guard in the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory.
- Rafferty's flexible tenacity on the field was evident when he stepped up as a center in 1981, just as a teammate was absent, and later anchored an offensive line that helped the Cowboys march towards two NFC Championship Games.
- One of the most iconic moments in Rafferty's career was his decisive block that paved the way for Tony Dorsett's then-record 99-yard touchdown run in a game.
- After retiring from the NFL in 1990, Rafferty pursued a career in sports equipment sales, marking the end of a long and productive career exclusively with the Cowboys.
- In American football, the contributions of such versatile veterans like Rafferty are instrumental in driving teams to victory, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
