### Former Cowboys Lineman Tom Rafferty Passes Away at 70

Tom Rafferty, a former offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, died on Thursday in Windsor, Colorado, after suffering a stroke. Rafferty, who was 70 years old, left an indelible mark on the Cowboys organization during his 14-year career.

Drafted in the fourth round in 1976, Rafferty's entire professional career was spent with the Dallas Cowboys. He first cemented his role on the team as the right guard, taking over for Blaine Nye in his second season. For four years, he steadfastly held that position before transitioning to center, where he continued to showcase his talent.

Rafferty's tenure with the Cowboys saw him playing alongside notable quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. He participated in two Super Bowl games and boasted an impressive streak of starting 167 consecutive games, which at the time was the longest in the franchise's history.

In the middle of the 1989 season, Mark Stepnoski stepped in to replace Rafferty, who retired at the end of that season. Over the course of his career, Rafferty appeared in 203 games and started 182 of them, proving his dedication and durability.

After retiring from football, Rafferty transitioned to a career in sports equipment sales, where he continued to make contributions to the sports community. His legacy, both on and off the field, will be remembered by many.