**Tom Rafferty, Former NFL Star, Passes Away at 70**
**Meta Description:** Former NFL player Tom Rafferty, a Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, has died at the age of 70 after a recent stroke.
**URL Slug:** tom-rafferty-nfl-star-dies
**Tom Rafferty, Former NFL Star, Passes Away at 70**
Former NFL offensive lineman Tom Rafferty has died at the age of 70 in Colorado, as confirmed by local news sources. Rafferty, a Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, had been hospitalized since early May following a stroke.
Rafferty’s impressive career spanned from 1976 to 1989, during which he played both guard and center. He was an integral part of the Cowboys’ offensive line, providing protection for legendary quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. His contributions were pivotal in securing a Super Bowl victory against the Denver Broncos in 1978, and he also played in another Super Bowl the following season, although the Cowboys fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Before being selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, Rafferty showcased his skills at Penn State, where he played for the Nittany Lions. One of his most memorable moments came in January 1983, when he executed a crucial block that enabled Tony Dorsett to achieve a record-setting 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings.
After retiring from professional football, Rafferty transitioned into a career in sports equipment sales. He is survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy as a respected player and family man.
**FAQ**
**What teams did Tom Rafferty play for in the NFL?**
Tom Rafferty played exclusively for the Dallas Cowboys during his NFL career from 1976 to 1989.