The Dallas Cowboys announced the passing of team legend Lee Roy Jordan on Saturday. He was 84 years old and played for the Cowboys from 1963-76. Jordan helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI towards the end of his career. He was also named Second-Team All-Pro in 1969 and ’73. A five-time Pro Bowler, Jordan was […]
The Dallas Cowboys announced the passing of team legend Lee Roy Jordan on Saturday. He was 84 years old and played for the Cowboys from 1963-76.
Jordan helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI towards the end of his career. He was also named Second-Team All-Pro in 1969 and ’73.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Jordan was also named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. He certainly will be remembered in franchise lore.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the passing of Lee Roy Jordan,” a statement from the Cowboys read. “An inspirational leader of the Cowboys first championship teams, Jordan was at the core of the Dallas Cowboys ‘Doomsday Defense,’ anchoring the middle linebacker spot for 14 years. As a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All=Pro choice, Jordan was the first Dallas Cowboy inducted into the Ring of Honor by Jerry Jones in 1989. With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiement of the Cowboys spirit. Off the field, his commitment to his community was the centerpiece of his life after retiring in 1976.
“His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity and toughness. Lee Roy Jordan’s impact on the game, and on those who knew him, will live on forever. Our hearts go out to Lee Roy’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Lee Roy Jordan passes away at 84 years old
Jordan finished his NFL career with some pretty impressive numbers. That included 32 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns across 186 career games.
During the mid-60s, Jordan was part of one the greatest linebacker corps in NFL history. He played alongside Chuck Howley and Dave Edwards, with Howley eventually becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Jordan played college football at Alabama for three seasons before being drafted by the Cowboys with the No. 6 overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft. He was also selected in the AFL Draft the same year by the Boston Patriots, but chose the Cowboys.
While at Alabama, Jordan helped the Crimson Tide win a national championship in 1961 and was a unanimous All-American the following year. He was also First-Team All-SEC in 1962 and Second-Team in 1961.
Jordan was eventually named to the College Football Hall of Fame, due to his contributions and stellar play at Alabama. Being a native of Excel, Alabama, it was fitting to see his legend grow close to home.
Category: Football
