Tom Rafferty, former center and right guard for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away Thursday at the age of 70. He spent all 14 seasons of his NFL career with the Cowboys and played a key role in their Super Bowl XII championship run in 1977.
Known to his teammates as "Raff," he established himself as one of the better linemen in franchise history. Overall, he played in 203 regular-season games for Dallas, including 167 consecutive games from 1976-87.
At the time of his retirement, he ranked among the franchise's all-time leaders in seasons played, games played, consecutive games played and games started. He also appeared in eighteen postseason games and two Super Bowls (XII, XIII).
Dallas Cowboys lineman Tom Rafferty
Dallas Cowboys lineman Tom Rafferty
The Cowboys organization posted the following on X after the passing of the team legend.
"The Dallas Cowboys mourn the passing of Tom Rafferty, who was a fixture on the Cowboys offensive line for 14 seasons. His work ethic, durability and versatility shined through as he was at the core of a line that brought Dallas a Super Bowl championship. He was a shining example of being a great, trusted teammate and champion, always approaching the game and his role by doing the right thing. Among the many memorable moments of his career, one stands out, as he helped clear the way for Tony Dorsett's 99-yard run in 1983. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He will be missed."
Rafferty was selected by the Tom Landry-led team in the fourth round (No. 119 overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft out of Penn State, just one year before Tony Dorsett joined Dallas.
As the Cowboys mentioned above, one of Rafferty's career highlights was blocking the way for Dorsett's famous 99-yard run against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football in 1983. Incredibly, the Cowboys only had 10 men on the field for the play.
Rafferty started the first eight games of the 1989 season before rookie and future three-time All-Pro Mark Stepnoski took over the center position. He announced his retirement on April 21, 1990.