Billy Truax, Super Bowl Champion Tight End for Cowboys, Passes Away at 82

Billy Truax, a key contributor to the Dallas Cowboys’ victory in Super Bowl VI and a standout tight end throughout his 10-year NFL career, has passed away at the age of 82. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, marking the end of a legacy that spanned both college and professional football.

A Football Journey Rooted in Excellence

Born in Gulfport, Louisiana, Truax was a force on the field from a young age. He was a first-team All-American at Louisiana State University (LSU), where his prowess as a tight end caught the attention of NFL scouts. His remarkable college career paved the way for his successful professional journey, which would later include recognition in the Sugar Bowl’s Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

NFL Career: From the Browns to the Rams, and Finally, the Cowboys

Truax’s professional journey began when he was selected in the second round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. However, his first season was marred by injury, causing him to miss the entire year. He was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he would spend the majority of his career.

During his seven seasons with the Rams (1964–1970), Truax flourished in a dual role as both a receiver and a blocker. By 1967, under head coach George Allen, Truax became a full-time starter. That year, he set career-highs with 37 receptions for 487 yards and scored four touchdowns. His performance helped the Rams to an 11-1 record, though their season ended with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Despite facing adversity, including a broken wrist in 1968 that sidelined him for seven weeks, Truax still led the Rams with 35 receptions that season.

In 1969, Truax continued to show his value, matching his career-high with 37 receptions and catching a career-best five touchdowns. That year, the Rams made a playoff appearance, and Truax had five catches in their loss to the Minnesota Vikings in a hard-fought 23-20 game.

A Super Bowl Win with the Cowboys

After his tenure with the Rams, Truax was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in May 1971. It was here that Truax would achieve one of his career’s highest honors: a Super Bowl victory. In his first season with Dallas, he caught 15 passes for 232 yards and scored one touchdown. More importantly, Truax contributed to the Cowboys’ 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, which solidified his place in NFL history.

Truax’s connection to Super Bowl VI was especially meaningful because it took place in Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, his hometown. “Super Bowl VI meant even more to me because it was in Tulane Stadium in New Orleans in front of friends and family,” Truax reflected in an interview with the Greater New Orleans Sports Awards Committee. “I had played every game that season with the injury and I wasn’t going to miss the Super Bowl in my New Orleans.”

Retirement and Legacy

Injuries forced Truax into retirement after the 1973 season, bringing an end to a career that spanned seven years. Over the course of his career, he caught 199 passes for 2,458 yards and 17 touchdowns. Truax’s career achievements extend beyond his Super Bowl victory and his productive years with the Rams and Cowboys—he was also inducted into the Holy Cross School Hall of Fame and the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to both his high school and college programs.

Honoring a Football Legend

Billy Truax’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. His career was defined by resilience, skill, and a love for the game. A critical part of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning team, Truax’s contributions on and off the field left a lasting impact on the franchises he played for and on the NFL as a whole.

Truax’s passing marks the end of an era, but his name and accomplishments will forever be enshrined in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Rams, and the NFL. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion, a trusted teammate, and a standout athlete will be remembered by all who had the privilege to watch him play.

The football community mourns the loss of one of its finest, and his family, friends, and former teammates will always remember Billy Truax as a great player and a greater man.