Getty Images
Former Cowboys offensive lineman Rayfield Wright died Thursday. He was 76.
His wife Di told the Pro Football Hall of Fame that Wright was in the hospital for several days after suffering a severe seizure.
“Rayfield Wright epitomized what it takes to become a Hall of Famer,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “His courage, agility, passion, charisma and love for football, for the community and for his family have always prevailed. The original “Big Cat” helped shape the future of the Dallas Cowboys during his illustrious 13-year playing career. Rayfield was a champion on and off the field. He remained an important part of the Cowboys family long after his playing days ended and he will be greatly missed. Our love and support goes to his wife Di and the entire Wright family.”
Wright was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
During his 13 seasons with the Cowboys, he appeared in 188 games, including the postseason. Wright won two Super Bowl rings and was a three-time first-team All-Pro (1971-73). He played in six consecutive Pro Bowls (1971-76).
Wright was one of the first-team offensive tackles on the NFL team of the 1970s.
That’s after he didn’t make his high school football team until his senior season. At Fort Valley State College, Wright competed in three sports. He played tight end, safety, defensive end and punts for the football team (while earning awards at the All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), ran a 50-second, 440-yard dash on the lane, and became an NBA prospect in basketball .
But he became a star playing football with the Cowboys.