Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Rayfield Wright dies at 76

Dallas Cowboys star offensive lineman Rayfield Wright has died at the age of 76

Dallas Cowboys great offensive lineman Rayfield Wright died Thursday at the age of 76, his wife, Di, told the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Wright had suffered a severe seizure and was hospitalized for the past few days before succumbing.

“Over the past few weeks, it has become abundantly clear the love that so many Hall of Famers and others around the NFL felt toward Rayfield, his wife, Di, and the extended Wright family,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. “His gentle nature away from the game belied his commanding presence on the field. All fans, especially those of the Cowboys, will remember fondly his dominance on the offensive line in the 1970s and how he took protecting Dallas quarterbacks as his personal mission.

“We will guard his legacy in Canton with equal tenacity. The Hall of Fame Flag will fly at half-staff through Rayfield’s services next Friday as a tribute to the many lives he touched.”

After being drafted No. 182 overall in the 1967 NFL Draft, Wright appeared in 166 games, making 114 starts. Wright won two Super Bowls while playing with Dallas for 13 seasons. He was a first-team offensive tackle on the All-Decade Team of the 1970s.

“Rayfield Wright was the epitome of what it takes to be a Hall of Famer,” Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement. “His grit, his agility, his passion, his charisma and his love for football, the community and his family always shined through. The original ‘Big Cat’ helped shape the future of the Dallas Cowboys through 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 deeply missed. Our love and support go out to his wife, Di, and the entire Wright family.”