A PRE-MERGER Dallas Cowboys icon and beloved local community leader has died.
Pettis Norman, who played with the team throughout the 1960s and was a member of the Super Bowl V and infamous “Ice Bowl” squads, died on Monday at the age of 86, the team announced.
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Norman was also known as a businessman, color commentator, and civil rights activist after his football days.
The Cowboys confirmed the news of Norman’s death with a statement on social media.
“We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman,” the franchise wrote.
“Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently.”
The Dallas Texans selected Norman in the 1962 AFL Draft, but he never played for the team.
He would join the Cowboys as a free agent in that same year.
The former NFL tight end played nine seasons with the Cowboys, including playing in Super Bowl V for the 1970 season, which the Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colts.
During that span, Norman recorded 124 catches, 14 touchdowns, and 1,672 receiving yards.
He also played in the so-called Ice Bowl NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers on New Years Eve 1967 when temperatures dropped to a brutal -13 degrees at Lambeau Field.
He spent his last three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, totaling 59 receptions for 820 yards and one touchdown, before his retirement in 1973.
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When he wasn’t playing football, Norman was a civil rights activist.
In 1968, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Norman was invited to Washington, D.C. to speak to schoolchildren about non-violence and King’s work.
Three years later, he led a march in Dallas in support of George Allen, who had been rejected for the title of Major Pro Tem due to racial bias.
During the 1960s, black and white players were often assigned separate hotel rooms, which caused Norman to speak out.
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“I addressed the issue of segregation, which percolated beneath the surface of the Dallas Cowboys franchise,” he said in a 2021 interview with The Dallas Morning News.
“We are a team. We cannot separate by color. It sends the wrong message to us and the community.”
Cowboys’ iconic head coach Tom Landry listened to Norman, and the team stopped segregating room assignments.
After his playing days, Norman worked in real estate, apartments, restaurant franchising, and single-family housing.
He was one of the first minority owners of Burger King franchises and a spokesperson for Dr. Pepper.
Norman also served as a color commentator for the World Football League for one-plus season.
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“[Norman] passed away peacefully in his sleep . . . surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, grandson, and great grandchildren,” Norman’s family‘s statement read.
“A strong advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected business executive and civic leader, known widely for his accomplishments both on and off the field.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy on behalf of underserved people, and a deep commitment to his community.”
Fans sent messages following the news of Norman’s passing.
“RIP Pettis Norman! You’ll be remembered by cowboys nation !” one wrote.
“RIP legend,” another commented.
“We are gonna miss you,” a third added.
