Sad news struck the heart of Dallas this week as a true gridiron legend, Tom Rafferty, left us far too soon. The former Cowboys offensive lineman, a pillar of the franchise’s storied history, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 70, after a hard-fought battle following a stroke, as Breitbart reports. It’s a loss that reminds us how fleeting even the toughest warriors’ time can be.

Rafferty’s life and career with the Dallas Cowboys, spanning 14 remarkable years, came to a tragic close after he was hospitalized in early May 2025, leaving behind a legacy of grit and glory.

Drafted in the fourth round out of Penn State in 1976, Rafferty didn’t waste time making his mark. He joined a Cowboys squad that was already a force, and by his second season, he’d claimed the right guard spot as his own. No small feat for a young buck in a league of giants.

From rookie to record-breaker

Just four years into his career, Rafferty shifted to center, a position he’d dominate for the remainder of his time on the field. That kind of versatility isn’t just skill -- it’s the kind of old-school work ethic we don’t see much in today’s game, where specialization often trumps adaptability.

Playing alongside Hall of Famers like Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, Rafferty wasn’t just a bystander; he was a cornerstone. He helped lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowls, tasting victory in Super Bowl XII against the Broncos and enduring a tough loss in Super Bowl XIII to the Steelers. That’s the kind of resume that earns respect, not hashtags.

Perhaps most impressive was Rafferty’s iron-man streak -- starting 167 consecutive games, the longest in Cowboys history at the time. In an era before coddled schedules and “load management,” that record spoke to a toughness that’s sorely missing in today’s softer, more progressive-minded sports culture. Turns out, showing up every day still matters.

A Career of unyielding consistency

Over his career, Rafferty appeared in 203 games, starting 182 of them, numbers that cement his place as one of the most dependable linemen to ever wear the star. That’s not just stats; that’s a legacy of sacrifice for the team over self, a value some modern athletes might do well to rediscover.

By 1989, though, even the toughest warriors face the clock, and Rafferty was replaced midseason by Mark Stepnoski. As Pro Football Talk noted, “Stepnoski replaced Rafferty” in that pivotal year, and soon after, Rafferty hung up his cleats. A quiet exit for a man who let his play do the talking.

Retirement didn’t mean disappearing for Rafferty; he stayed rooted in the Dallas area, a testament to his loyalty to the community that cheered him on. He transitioned into sports equipment sales, proving that a strong work ethic doesn’t retire with the jersey.

Legacy beyond the field

Rafferty’s family, including his wife, two children, and two grandchildren, now carries forward the memory of a man who was as much a rock at home as he was on the field. Losses like this hit hard, reminding us to cherish the quiet heroes among us.

His passing isn’t just a headline; it’s a moment to reflect on what made sports -- and America -- great back then: hard work, no excuses, and team over ego. Today’s culture, with its endless focus on personal branding and social causes over substance, could learn a thing or two from Rafferty’s example.

While some might argue the NFL has “evolved” with its modern rules and player protections, let’s not kid ourselves -- guys like Rafferty built the game with blood and sweat, not press conferences. His 167-game streak wasn’t earned with safe spaces; it was earned with sheer will.

Honoring a Cowboy’s enduring spirit

The Cowboys franchise, and all of us who bleed blue and silver, owe a debt to men like Rafferty who didn’t just play, but defined what it meant to be a teammate. His Super Bowl appearances and record-setting durability are chapters in a story of excellence that no amount of progressive rebranding can erase.

As we mourn his loss, let’s also celebrate a life lived with purpose, from the field to the family he leaves behind. Rafferty’s daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed he’d been fighting since early May, a battle he faced with the same tenacity he brought to every snap.

In the end, Tom Rafferty’s story isn’t just about football -- it’s about standing firm, whether blocking for a quarterback or building a life in Dallas. Let’s honor him by remembering that grit still counts, even if the world seems hell-bent on forgetting it. Turns out, character outlasts trends.