Tom Rafferty, a longtime offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl XII champion, passed away on Thursday at the age of 70. Rafferty appeared in 221 regular season and playoff games from 1976 to 1989, playing both guard and center positions, and was part of the teams led by Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
His daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed that Rafferty died in Windsor, Colorado, after suffering a stroke. He had been hospitalized since early May. Selected as the fourth draft pick from Pennsylvania in 1976, Rafferty helped the Cowboys secure a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII and experienced a close 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the same season.
On January 3, 1983, Rafferty’s key block enabled Tony Dorsett’s NFL record-setting 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings. After retiring from professional football, Rafferty pursued a career in sports goods sales. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two grandchildren.
Fan Take: Tom Rafferty’s passing is a poignant reminder of the immense contributions offensive linemen make behind the scenes to their teams’ successes. For NFL fans, it underscores the legacy of players who built the foundation for iconic moments in football history and highlights the enduring impact these athletes have on the sport’s evolution.
