Former Dallas Cowboys lineman dead at 70

One of the mainstays of what was one of the stoutest offensive lines in Dallas Cowboys history has sadly passed away.  

Thomas Rafferty, who helped anchor the right side and center position for the Cowboys' line for many years, has died.  

The All-American 

Rafferty was a stud at Penn State University, playing tackle during the undefeated season of 1973.  

After he moved over to guard in 1974, he would start every game for PSU.  

In 1975, Rafferty really came into his own, being named Captain of the team as well as winning All-American honors by the Football News and Football Writers’ Association.  

He was also named to the First-team All-East team in both 1974 and 1975.  

Dallas Cowboys 

Rafferty was picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1976 draft, taken 119th overall, expected to anchor down the right side of the line for legendary QB Roger Staubach.  

It took only one year for Rafferty to displace the starter, taking over the right guard position in his second year on the team.  

In 1981, Rafferty was asked to move to center to fill in for injured Robert Shaw for a few weeks, but he wound up being so good, the Cowboys kept him in that position for the remainder of his career with the team. After his career was over, he stated that what was expected to be three weeks nearly lasted a decade for him.

In 1989, Rafferty was still the starting center, but the next wave of Cowboys were working their way into the starting rotation, and Rafferty was replaced halfway through the season by Mark Stepnoski, who would go on to win two Super Bowls with the Cowboys. Rafferty retired in the following offseason. 

He’s Gone 

According to reports, Rafferty passed away on Thursday after having suffered a stroke in May.  

His daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed the news of his death, stating that he had been hospitalized after the stroke and passed away in Windsor, CO. 

Rafferty is a Cowboys legend, having protected two of the greatest Dallas Cowboys to have ever played the game in Roger Staubach and a very young Troy Aikman, as well as clearing the way for Tony Dorsett.  

Overall, in his career, Rafferty played in 203 games, ranking him sixth in team history, as well as having started 182 games, placing him fourth on the team’s all-time list. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for the many wonderful memories with my Dallas Cowboys.