Steel And Grit: The Enduring Legacy Of Cowboys Lineman Tom Rafferty (1954

For 14 seasons, Tom Rafferty stood in the heart of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line—quiet, determined, and dependable. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t loud. But for anyone who followed the Cowboys during the late 1970s and 1980s, Rafferty was a constant—a steady presence in a game full of chaos. On June 5, 2025, the beloved former Cowboy passed away at the age of 70 in Windsor, Colorado, following complications from a stroke. His death marks the end of an era and reminds fans of a time when the Cowboys were America’s Team in every sense of the phrase.

Rafferty’s passing was confirmed by his daughter, Rachel Powers, who shared that her father had been hospitalized since early May after suffering a stroke. Despite weeks of medical care, he died surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his wife, a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren.

A Cowboy Through and Through

Born in 1954, Tom Rafferty entered the NFL in 1976 as a fourth-round draft pick out of Penn State University. At that time, the Cowboys were already building their identity as a powerhouse franchise. With Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry at the helm and Roger Staubach under center, Dallas had the makings of a dynasty. Into this atmosphere stepped Rafferty, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound offensive lineman with a mind for football and a work ethic to match.

Though he entered the league as a guard, Rafferty would eventually make a seamless transition to center, showcasing not only his versatility but his understanding of the game. He played in a staggering 221 games—regular season and playoffs combined—between 1976 and 1989. That durability, especially for a lineman in the rough-and-tumble era of the NFL, speaks volumes.

In many ways, Rafferty was the ultimate team player. He rarely made headlines, didn’t chase personal accolades, and focused entirely on protecting his quarterback and paving the way for his running backs. While other players might have measured success in touchdowns or tackles, Rafferty’s success lay in the seconds he bought his quarterback and the holes he created for stars like Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker.

Super Bowl Glory and Iconic Moments

Rafferty’s career was marked by some of the most memorable moments in Cowboys history. He was a key starter in Super Bowl XII, where Dallas defeated the Denver Broncos 27–10 to claim the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. That 1977 team was a juggernaut, and Rafferty’s role in it cannot be overstated. His ability to read defenses, adjust on the fly, and handle elite pass rushers was instrumental in that championship run.

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The following year, Rafferty and the Cowboys made it back to the Super Bowl, this time facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in what is widely considered one of the greatest Super Bowl matchups of all time. Though Dallas fell short, losing 35–31 in a nail-biting contest, Rafferty’s performance once again drew praise from teammates and coaches alike.

Perhaps the most iconic single play Rafferty was involved in came on January 3, 1983, during a Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings. With the Cowboys backed up on their own 1-yard line, Tony Dorsett took a handoff and sprinted 99 yards downfield for a touchdown—an NFL record that still stands. It was Rafferty’s block that sealed the edge and gave Dorsett just enough space to begin the historic run. That one play summed up what Rafferty brought to the team: reliability, smarts, and the ability to execute under pressure.

Bridging Generations

One of the most unique aspects of Rafferty’s career was his longevity. He was there for the tail end of Roger Staubach’s illustrious career and stuck around long enough to block for a young Troy Aikman, who would go on to become the leader of another Cowboys dynasty in the 1990s. That transition period was a tough one for the franchise, as they moved from glory days into a rebuilding phase. Yet Rafferty never wavered.

His role during that bridge period can’t be overlooked. As younger players came into the locker room, it was veterans like Rafferty who set the tone. His professionalism, his calm demeanor, and his grasp of the game made him not only a leader on the field but a mentor off of it. Players respected him not because he demanded it, but because he earned it.

Life After Football

After hanging up his cleats in 1989, Rafferty didn’t stray far from the game he loved. He went into sports equipment sales, staying connected to the athletic world, albeit in a quieter, more behind-the-scenes way. He didn’t chase fame or try to stay in the spotlight. Instead, he focused on his family and took pride in his post-football life just as he did during his playing days.

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Over the years, he would occasionally attend Cowboys alumni events, where he was always warmly welcomed. Fans might not have screamed his name the way they did for quarterbacks or running backs, but those who truly understood football—the linemen, the coaches, the diehards—knew exactly how important Tom Rafferty was to the success of the Cowboys for over a decade.

Source: Tom Rafferty, Cowboys offensive lineman from 1976-89, dies at 70

A Final Goodbye

Tom Rafferty’s story isn’t one of glamour or controversy. It’s not filled with highlight-reel moments or wild off-field adventures. Instead, his story is one of quiet strength, consistency, and loyalty—traits that are often overshadowed in today’s flashy sports culture but are the bedrock of any great team.

In remembering Tom Rafferty, we remember a man who showed up every Sunday, buckled his chin strap, and went to work. We remember a lineman who protected his teammates with everything he had and who helped deliver one of the most iconic runs in NFL history. We remember a player who wore the star on his helmet with pride, through victories and defeats alike.

His death leaves a void not just for his family and friends, but for the generations of Cowboys fans who watched him anchor one of the most dominant lines in football history. As the Cowboys and the broader NFL community mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life of a man who embodied the very best of what the game can be.

Rest in peace, Tom Rafferty. Your legacy lives on in the trenches, in the record books, and in the hearts of those who remember the golden era of Dallas Cowboys football.