Tom Rafferty was a legendary offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl champion. He died on Thursday, June 6th, 2025, at the age of 70. Rafferty died at his home in Windsor, Colorado following complications after a stroke. His daughter, Rachel Powers, announced the sad news of his passing.
Rafferty’s professional football career extended from 1976 until 1989. He served as a backup center and had a knack for playing all 221 combined regular-season and playoff games. He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Penn State, making his mark in the NFL through his exceptional skills and dedication on the field.
Rafferty became a key member of the Cowboys roster. Then he deftly connected the career arcs of two Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. He played an essential role in the Cowboys’ offensive line, contributing significantly to the team’s performance during his tenure.
One of Rafferty’s notable achievements includes starting in Super Bowl XII, where the Cowboys secured a 27-10 victory against the Denver Broncos. He led the team to a starting berth in Super Bowl XIII, where the team lost a heart-breaking 35-31 decision to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In reality, his impact on the roster was much deeper than those championship matchups. Orchestrator of one of the greatest plays in NFL history, Johnson made key blocks to spring RB Tony Dorsett for an NFL-record 99-yard touchdown run vs. Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 3, 1983.
Following his retirement from professional football, Rafferty transitioned into sports equipment sales, applying his knowledge and experience from his playing days to a successful career off the field. His passion for sports was on full display even up until his death.
Rafferty is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the respected figures in Dallas Cowboys history, remembered not only for his athletic prowess but for his character and contributions to the sport.
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