John Fitzgerald: Dallas Cowboys Legend Passes

0:00On April 14, John Fitzgerald, the anchor of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line through most of the 1970s, passed away this morning at 877, drafted in the 4th round of the 1970 NFL draft out of Boston College, he started as a defensive player but quickly switched to offense, and became a key piece for America's team. He backed up during their Super Bowl run in 1971, then locked down the center spot starting in 1973 and held it through 1980. Fitzgerald paved the way for offenses that ranked top 10 in yards every one of those 8 years and top 3 for 5 of them, including the shotgun formation revival under Tom Landry with Roger Staubach at the helm. That era brought massive success, 11 playoff trips in his 12 seasons, 9 NFC championship games, 5 Super Bowl appearances, and 2 rings, including a 27-10 win over Denver in Super Bowl 12. He suited up for 19 postseason

1:00games, starting 13, which still ranks high in Cowboys' history. Fitzgerald earned a legendary nickname too, calling his late 70s line 4 Irishman and a Scott for the crew around him. Injuries finally sideline him before the 1981 season, leading to retirement in early 1982, though he never made a pro. Bowl. In the end, he fits right into Dallas' story center tradition, alongside guys like Dave Manders and Travis Frederick, a quiet force who helped. Define a dynasty without ever missing the playoffs.