Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Tragedy: Cowboys' 3-Time All-Pro Found Dead - Fans In Disbelief 1
The Dallas Cowboys received some somber news less than one month before the 2026 NFL Season gets underway. The Cowboys community has lost one of their own who made a serious impact on their franchise. The news was reported late Sunday night and has started to make national headlines today.
Here are the heartbreaking details.
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Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY SportsSep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Three-Time All-Pro And Cowboys Legend Tragically Passes Away
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, John Niland played a critical role in establishing the Dallas Cowboys as an NFL contender. Niland passed away at his McKinney, Texas, home Saturday. He was 82 years old.
Niland’s death was announced on his Facebook page and on his family’s social media accounts.
“On August 15, 2026 at 7:20am, John Niland of Amityville, New York passed away in his home in McKinney, Texas with his family,” the post read.
Niland’s brain will be donated to the Boston University CTE Center for research. The cause of death was not disclosed.
As a fullback for Amityville Memorial High School, Niland earned All-State recognition. Originally a fullback, he moved to the offensive line at the University of Iowa on a football scholarship. In 1965, he was named an All-American guard after earning second-team honors the prior season. He was later inducted into Iowa’s athletics hall of fame and named to its all-time team.
In the 1966 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Niland fifth overall. It was the first time the franchise drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. He was primarily used at left guard, where he contributed to the running game with his strength and pulling ability.
Jan 17, 1971; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys guard #76 John Niland in action against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl. The Colts defeated the Cowboys 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright 1971 Malcolm EmmonsJan 17, 1971; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys guard #76 John Niland in action against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl. The Colts defeated the Cowboys 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright 1971 Malcolm Emmons
Jan 17, 1971; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys guard #76 John Niland in action against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl. The Colts defeated the Cowboys 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright 1971 Malcolm Emmons
As a rookie, he played in the 1966 NFL Championship Game and again in the 1967 Ice Bowl, both of which Green Bay won.
From 1968 to 1973, Niland made six consecutive Pro Bowls and was named to three All-Pro teams. As a Cowboy, he won two NFC titles and won the first Super Bowl for Dallas.
Niland remained with Dallas until 1974. For a third-round draft pick, he was traded to Philadelphia in September 1975. He started 13 games for the Eagles that season. The following year, he sustained a knee injury during training camp that would eventually end his career. In total, he started 124 games in the NFL.