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3w ago

John Fitzgerald, Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Cowboys Center, Dies at 77

His precise shotgun snaps under Tom Landry helped reshape how NFL offenses use the center.

Offensive lineman John Fitzgerald of the Dallas Cowboys in a 10 to 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on October 19, 1980 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images)
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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Cowboys offensive lineman John Fitzgerald is seen after a game against the Steelers, Image 2 shows Offensive linemen Rayfield Wright #70 and John Fitzgerald #62 of the Dallas Cowboys prepare to block defensive linemen Steve Furness #64 and L.C. Greenwood #68 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl X on January 18, 1976
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Overview

  • The Cowboys announced Tuesday that Fitzgerald died at 77, and the team did not release a cause.
  • He spent 12 seasons in Dallas, played 137 regular-season games, and the Cowboys never had a losing year with him.
  • He logged 19 postseason games and won two titles, starting Super Bowl XII and recovering a fumble in that victory over Denver.
  • His accurate long snaps enabled Landry’s revival of the shotgun, a setup with the quarterback several yards behind the line to read pressure and throw quicker.
  • Drafted in 1970 and moved to center by 1973, he retired in January 1982 after a knee injury put him on injured reserve for the 1981 season.