Cowboys Super Bowl Champion, Longtime Starter Dies at 77

John Fitzgerald, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 77.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:03am

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys football game, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, geometric representation of the sport.The geometric abstraction of a Dallas Cowboys football game pays tribute to the team's legendary offensive line and the legacy of center John Fitzgerald.Dallas Today

John Fitzgerald, a longtime starting center for the Dallas Cowboys who won two Super Bowls with the team, has died at the age of 77. Fitzgerald played for the Cowboys from 1972 to 1984 and was a key part of their offensive line during their championship runs in the 1970s.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald was an integral part of the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1970s, helping the team win Super Bowls XII and XIII. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the NFL's most successful franchises and will be mourned by Cowboys fans who remember his contributions to the team's glory years.

The details

Fitzgerald started 159 games for the Cowboys over his 13-year career with the team. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1976 and 1977 and was a part of the Cowboys' offensive line that paved the way for Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett.

  • Fitzgerald played for the Cowboys from 1972 to 1984.
  • He won Super Bowls XII and XIII with the team in the 1970s.

The players

John Fitzgerald

A longtime starting center for the Dallas Cowboys who won two Super Bowls with the team.

Tony Dorsett

A Hall of Fame running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys during Fitzgerald's tenure.

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What they’re saying

“John Fitzgerald was the heart and soul of our offensive line during the Cowboys' championship years. He was a true leader on and off the field.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

The takeaway

Fitzgerald's passing marks the end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys, who will forever remember his contributions to their dynasty in the 1970s. His legacy as a key member of the team's offensive line and two-time Super Bowl champion will live on in the hearts of Cowboys fans.