Cowboys great Walt Garrison dead 79

Former Dallas Cowboys fullback Walt Garrison, who won a Super Bowl with the team in 1971, has died at the age of 79.

Walt Garrison, a former NFL fullback who spent nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and won a Super Bowl with them in 1971, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Garrison, who was a standout player at Oklahoma State, was selected by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 1966 NFL Draft. He was also drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football League.

During his time with the Cowboys from 1966 to 1974, Garrison established himself as a key player for the team. He retired as the team's third-leading rusher and fourth-leading receiver, gaining a total of 3,886 rushing yards. The team announced Garrison's death on its website but did not disclose the cause.

Garrison's passion for the cowboy lifestyle extended beyond the football field. According to the team, he would participate in local rodeos as a steer wrestler after team meetings, returning to the team hotel before the 11 p.m. curfew. Despite concerns from legendary Cowboys head coach Tom Landry about the risks involved, Garrison continued his rodeo activities during the offseason.

Garrison's rodeo career came to an end in 1975 when he suffered an injury while steer wrestling. This prompted his retirement from football as well. Throughout his NFL career, Garrison scored 39 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl in the 1972 season. He also played a crucial role in the Cowboys' victory over the Miami Dolphins in the 1972 Super Bowl, rushing for 74 yards on 14 carries.

In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Garrison was also a national spokesman for Skoal at the height of his fame with the Cowboys. His legacy as a talented player and a true cowboy will be remembered by fans and the football community alike.

[Source: Fox News]