Former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman John Fitzgerald has died at the age of 77.
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The team confirmed that Fitzgerald passed away on Tuesday morning. No cause of death has been disclosed.
A key figure during one of the franchise's most successful eras, Fitzgerald spent his entire NFL career with the Cowboys from 1970 to 1981. He won two Super Bowl titles along the way.
NFL Player Dead as Cowboys Great John Fitzgerald Passes Away
Fitzgerald appeared in 137 regular-season games, primarily playing at center, and featured in five Super Bowls during his career.
He initially served as a backup during the 1972 Super Bowl before stepping into a starting role the following season.
From there, Fitzgerald held the starting position for eight consecutive years. He became a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive line during the 1970s.
"Beginning in 1975, Fitzgerald was the foundation for head coach Tom Landry's reintroduction of the famed shotgun offense, easily handling the transition of hiking the ball a farther distance to quarterback Roger Staubach," a Cowboys statement said.
"Thus would begin a stretch of three times in four seasons that the Cowboys would reach the Super Bowl, winning it all in 1977 with a 27-10 defeat of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII."
Dominant Career Defined by Winning and Consistency
Fitzgerald's career stands out for its remarkable consistency and success. Over 12 seasons in Dallas, he never played on a losing team, a rare achievement.
During that span, the Cowboys reached the playoffs 11 times, advanced to nine NFC Championship Games, appeared in five Super Bowls, and captured two Lombardi Trophies.
He also made 19 postseason appearances, ranking among the highest totals in NFL history, with 13 of those coming as a starter.
Before entering the NFL, Fitzgerald played college football at Boston College, where he earned a scholarship and developed into a top prospect.
After three years at the collegiate level, the Cowboys selected him in the fourth round, 101st overall, in the 1970 NFL Draft.
His impact at Boston College was later recognized with his induction into the school's Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982, shortly after his retirement.
Fitzgerald passed away on April 14, 2026, just two days before what would have been his 78th birthday.
