Saturday afternoon, the [Dallas Cowboys](https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-legend-lee-roy-jordan-ring-of-honor-member-passes-away-at-84) announced the passing of former Alabama great Lee Roy Jordan. He was 84.
“It was with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Lee Roy Jordan. An inspirational leader of the Cowboys' first championship teams. Jordan was at the core of the Dallas Cowboys' “Doomsday Defense,” anchoring the middle linebacker spot for 14 years. “
His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity, and toughness. Lee Roy Jordan’s impact on the game and on those who knew him will live on forever.”
Jerry Jones also released a statement.
"With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys' spirit," team owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement. "Off the field, his commitment to his community was the centerpiece of his life after retiring in 1976. His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity and toughness."
Jordan was a five-time Pro Bowler in his 14-year career and is part of the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Before that, Jordan was part of the Alabama Crimson Tide and was part of Bear Bryant’s great national championship defenses of the early 1960s. He was part of that 1961 team that posted six shutouts and didn't allow more than seven points to any opponent in an 11-0 season. In his final game at Alabama, Jordan was credited with an amazing 31 tackles in a 17-0 win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.
Bryant once said of Jordan:
"He was one of the finest football players the world has ever seen. If runners stayed between the sidelines, he tackled them," per the [National Football Foundation](https://footballfoundation.org/). "He never had a bad day; he was 100 percent every day in practice and in the games."