Former Dallas Cowboys player Pettis Norman has died.
The tight end played a dozen seasons in the NFL, splitting time with both the Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. He died peacefully in his sleep, his family shared.
The Cowboys made a statement on Norman's death posted Monday.
"We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman," the statement read. "Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently."
Per NBC Sports, the Charlotte native was selected by the Dallas Texans in the 1962 AFL draft but never played for them but instead signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in the same year. Norman started off as a special teams player before becoming the Cowboys' full-time starting tight end in 1964 and holding onto that role until 1970.
We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman. Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently. For more on… pic.twitter.com/brks4HoLq5
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 8, 2025
Norman was sent to the Chargers before the 1971 season in the trade that brought Hall of Famer Lance Alworth to Dallas.
Through 12 NFL seasons, Norman tallied 2,492 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns across 162 career games.
But Norman arguably made a bigger impact off the field. He was a known civil rights activist who fought against segregation both within the Cowboys organization and the city of Dallas as a whole.
He organized several marches alongside some of his teammates to put their support behind the civil rights movement.
After his retirement following the 1973 season, Norman thrived in his various business ventures. He built up five companies under PNI Industries, operating in fast food, real estate and housing.
Dallas Cowboys Make Statement After Death of Former Player first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 8, 2025
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