Beloved Cowboys TE, Civil Rights Activist Dies at 86 Years Old

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Dallas Cowboys tight end Pettis Norman and head coach Tom Landry.

The Dallas Cowboys announced former tight end, civil rights activist and businessman Pettis Norman has died at 86 years old. Norman played for the Cowboys from 1962 to 1970 before closing his career with the San Diego Chargers from 1971 to 1973.

“We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman. 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 Cowboys wrote on their official X account.

Norman’s influence went way beyond the field of play.

From The Dallas Morning News: “Norman also had an extensive history of giving back to the community. He created The Dallas Together Forum, which consisted “of CEOs from Fortune 500 companies to address the pressing economic issues facing minorities and women and their inclusion in the ‘bounties of our nation,’” according to his biography. That model was replicated across the world. Norman also served on civic boards and worked with many organizations, including the Dallas Urban League, Goodwill Industries, the Dallas Association for the Mentally Challenged and many more.”

Acknowledgments Pour In Following Norman’s Death

Norman, a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, played college football at Johnson C. Smith University and was drafted by the Dallas Texans in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL draft but went unselected in the NFL draft that same year — something Norman said happened because the Texans spread false rumors he’d already signed a contract with them.

Somewhat out of spite, Norman signed with the Cowboys and became the starting tight end in his third season and finished his career with 183 receptions for 2,492 yards and 15 touchdowns but was just as well known for being a rugged blocker.

Norman played in one of the most famous games in NFL history in a 21-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the 1967 NFL Championship Game — better known as “The Ice Bowl”— and also started in a loss to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V.

After his career, Norman was one of the first minority owners of Burger King franchises, a spokesperson for Dr. Pepper and consulted with U.S. presidents about race relations as well as serving as a color commentator for the World Football League at one point.

“Johnson C. Smith University honors the life of Pettis Norman ’62 — the first Golden Bull in the NFL,” JCSU wrote on its official X account. “A Dallas Cowboy, CIAA Hall of Famer, and proud JCSU alumnus, he was more than an athlete — he was a trailblazer. Rest well, legend.”

“Norman … was a frontman of the civil rights movement in DFW,” The Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Nick Harris wrote on his official X account. “In 2010, he was inducted into the Black Sports Hall of Fame.”

“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pettis Norman, a true trailblazer on and off the field,” the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame wrote on its official X account. “A proud North Carolina native and member of the NCSHOF, Pettis leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, courage and community impact. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all who were inspired by his remarkable life.”

Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame