Tom Rafferty, the longtime starting center for the Dallas Cowboys and a Super Bowl champion, died on Thursday at the age of 70 following a stroke in Windsor, Colorado, the team announced.
Rafferty had dealt with multiple health issues in recent years, notably dealing with a transverse myelitis diagnosis since 2008. According to Rafferty’s daughter, Rachel Powers, her father had been hospitalized since early May.
He was known for being an anchor on the Cowboys’ offensive line, as the 14-year NFL veteran’s career spanned from Roger Staubach to Troy Aikman. Rafferty was a fixture on the team after being drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft, wearing the famous Dallas star on his helmet from 1976 until he retired after the 1989 season.
A New York native and Penn State product, Rafferty played in two Super Bowls for the Cowboys. He was the starting guard for Dallas in a 27-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 12.
Originally a guard, Rafferty transitioned to center after four seasons in what was supposed to be a temporary move. It ended up being a permanent position change until Mark Stepnoski took over during the 1989 season, saying, ‘three weeks turned into nine years,’ according to the team website.
Rafferty appeared in 203 games for the Cowboys and started in 182, which is the fourth-most in team history.
In his post-playing days, Rafferty went into sports equipment sales. He is survived by his wife, Donna, daughter, Rachel, son, Michael, and two grandchildren.