### Former Dallas Cowboys Lineman and Super Bowl Champion Tom Rafferty Passes Away at 70

Tom Rafferty, a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line and a Super Bowl XII champion, has died at the age of 70. Rafferty, who was an essential part of the Cowboys' lineup from 1976 to 1989, passed away Thursday in Windsor, Colorado, following complications from a stroke. His daughter, Rachel Powers, confirmed his death.

Rafferty's tenure with the Cowboys saw him participate in 221 combined regular-season and playoff games. Notably versatile, he played both guard and center positions and is remembered for bridging the illustrious careers of quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.

A fourth-round draft pick from Penn State in 1976, Rafferty made an immediate impact by contributing to the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl XII, a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos. He also started in the narrow 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII.

One of Rafferty's standout moments came on January 3, 1983, when his crucial block enabled Tony Dorsett to achieve a 99-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings, setting an NFL record that still stands today.

After retiring from professional football, Rafferty transitioned to a career in sports equipment sales. His contributions to the sport and his role in key games during his time with the Cowboys have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the NFL.