FRISCO - Legendary Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tom Raffery has passed away. ... and the franchise is now mourning his death.
Rafferty, who was 70, had been hospitalized in Colorado since early May.
The Cowboys selected Rafferty in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft, and he spent his entire 14-year playing career as a prominent member of "America's Team.''
How long was he an institution with the Cowboys?
Long enough that played with quarterback Roger Staubach ... and he played with quarterback Troy Aikman in his final NFL season in 1979.
The Cowboys have issued a statement on the player's passing.
"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, a Penn State product, took over for Blaine Nye at right guard in his second season and started there for four years before making the move to center.
He played in two Super Bowls and was an iron man as he started 167 consecutive games, the longest streak in the franchise’s history at the time.
Under the supervision of new coach Jimmy Johnson, then-rookie Mark Stepnoski replaced Rafferty midway through the 1989 season, and Rafferty retired after the season.
At his peak - and at a Dallas peak - center John Fitzgerald nicknamed the Cowboys offensive line as the "Four Irishmen and a Scott'' when it was made up by him, Rafferty, Pat Donovan, Jim Cooper and Herb Scott.
In total, the 6-4, 256-pound Rafferty won one Super Bowl ring as he appeared in 203 games and started 182 of those.