Former Cowboys Star John Fitzgerald Dies at 77

Two-time Super Bowl champion played center for Dallas in the 1970s.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:45pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting the action and energy of a football game, with sharp planes of the Dallas Cowboys' signature blue, silver, and white colors.The geometric abstraction of a former Cowboys star's legacy reflects the team's championship glory in the 1970s.Dallas Today

John Fitzgerald, a former center for the Dallas Cowboys who won two Super Bowl titles with the team in the 1970s, has died at the age of 77. The Cowboys announced Fitzgerald's passing on Tuesday, though no cause of death was provided.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald was a key part of the Cowboys' offensive line during their dynasty in the 1970s, helping the team win Super Bowls XII and XIII. His death marks the passing of another member of those great Cowboys teams that dominated the NFL for much of the decade.

The details

Fitzgerald was selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft out of Boston College, where he played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He went on to start 94 games for Dallas over 10 seasons, anchoring the offensive line and helping the team reach five Super Bowls.

  • Fitzgerald was drafted by the Cowboys in 1971.
  • He played for the Cowboys from 1971 to 1980, winning two Super Bowls.
  • Fitzgerald passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

John Fitzgerald

A former center who played 10 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, winning two Super Bowl titles.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team that Fitzgerald played for, winning two Super Bowls in the 1970s.

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The takeaway

Fitzgerald's passing marks the end of an era for the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1970s, as another key member of those championship teams has now died. His legacy as a two-time Super Bowl winner and stalwart on the offensive line will be remembered by Cowboys fans.