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Former NFL star Tom Rafferty died in Colorado on Thursday, Dallas Morning News confirmed. The Super Bowl champion in 1978 was 70.
Rafferty recently had a stroke and the former offensive Lineman had been hospitalized since the beginning of May.
He played guard and center during his prominent career with Dalla’s cowboys.
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Center Tom Rafferty from Dallas Cowboys hugs with teammates during a game against Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium 4 December 1988 in Cleveland. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Rafferty played for cowboys from 1976-89. During this time, he was an important part of an offensive line that helped protect the Hall of Fame -Quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
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Before he became a fourth round draft, Rafferty played for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Rafferty earned a Super Bowl ring when Cowboys defeated Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl in 1978. He played in another Super Bowl after the 1978 season, albeit in a loss to Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas Cowboys Center Tom Rafferty (64) in action against New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., November 15, 1987. (Dick Raphael/USA Today Sports)
Maybe Rafferty’s most memorable career moment happened in January 1983 when he delivered the key block to help Spring Tony Dorsett’s record setting of 99-yard touchdown run in a game against Minnesota Vikings.
After his play days, Rafferty spent time working in the sale of sports equipment.
He is survived by his wife, their two children and grandchildren.
