Jerry Jones releases statement on death of Dallas Cowboys legend

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend Rayfield Wright died at the age of 76, it was announced Thursday. He was hospitalized for several days following a seizure before he passed.

“Rayfield Wright was the epitome of what it takes to be a Hall of Famer,” the statement read. “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.”

Wright’s NFL career started when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft.

Few people gave him a chance to make the roster, but the former Fort Valley (Georgia) State All-American demonstrated enough signs of determination and athleticism to the Cowboys’ coaching staff that they knew they had to find a way to work him into the lineup. While he was drafted as a tight end originally, he’d eventually become a legend along the offensive line.

The Cowboys Ring of Honor member will forever be missed and his impact on the organization will never be forgotten and was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with a tribute that his wife contributed to. There will be a special moment next Friday in Canton next week to honor him.

“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,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame wrote of Wright.