Cowboys Icon John Fitzgerald, Two-Time Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 77

The longtime Dallas offensive lineman was a key part of the team's dynasty in the 1970s.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with the players and field reduced to overlapping planes of color and sharp, angular shapes, conveying the energy and movement of the sport.The geometric abstraction of a football game captures the intensity and dynamism of the sport, honoring the legacy of a Cowboys lineman who was a key part of the team's dynasty.Dallas Today

John Fitzgerald, a longtime offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys who won two Super Bowl championships with the team, has died at the age of 77. Fitzgerald spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Cowboys, playing in five Super Bowls and starting Super Bowl XII in 1978 as the team's starting center.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald was a key part of the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1970s, helping the team reach the playoffs 11 times and win two Super Bowls. As an offensive lineman, he was instrumental in protecting the team's star quarterbacks and opening holes for their running game during one of the most successful eras in franchise history.

The details

Fitzgerald was a fourth-round draft pick out of Boston College, where he played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Cowboys, starting 137 regular season games, mostly at center. After serving as a backup during the team's Super Bowl triumph in 1972, he won the starting center job in 1973 and held that role for eight years. Fitzgerald was described by the Cowboys' website as the 'foundation' for coach Tom Landry's shotgun offense.

  • Fitzgerald died on Tuesday morning.
  • He spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Cowboys from 1970 to 1981.
  • Fitzgerald started Super Bowl XII for the Cowboys in 1978, a 27-10 win over the Broncos.
  • He retired from the NFL in January 1982 after spending the 1981 season on injured reserve.

The players

John Fitzgerald

A longtime offensive lineman who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, winning two Super Bowl championships.

Tom Landry

The longtime head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team to two Super Bowl victories during Fitzgerald's tenure.

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The takeaway

Fitzgerald's death marks the passing of a Dallas Cowboys legend who was a key part of the team's dynasty in the 1970s. As an offensive lineman, he played a crucial role in protecting the team's star quarterbacks and opening holes for their running game, helping the Cowboys reach the playoffs 11 times and win two Super Bowl championships during his career.