“With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys’ spirit,” team owner Jerry Jones said in a statement of his own.
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NFL Legend Passes Away At 84
Lee Roy Jordan, a five-time NFL Pro Bowler who played a key role in helping the Dallas Cowboys secure their first Super Bowl in 1971, has passed away. He was 84-years-old.
The Cowboys confirmed Jordan’s passing in a touching statement posted to X on Saturday.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the passing of Lee Roy Jordan,” the franchise wrote. “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.”
Jordan appears on the cover of ‘Sports Illustrated’ in 1972
A native of Excel, Alabama, Jordan played college ball under the legendary Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama. Jordan was with the Crimson Tide when the team captured their sixth national championship, and what was their first in 20 seasons, in 1961.
The linebacker’s success continued in the following season, when he was a unanimous All-American and also a member of the All-SEC squad. According to the National Football Foundation, Jordan recorded an astonishing 30 tackles in an Orange Bowl win over the Oklahoma Sooners.
“Rest In Peace to Crimson Tide Legend, Lee Roy Jordan,” Alabama Football posted on X. “A champion, a leader, and forever part of Alabama Football history.”
In 1963, he was selected high in both the NFL and AFL drafts. The Cowboys snagged him with the sixth overall pick, while the AFL’s Patriots took him with the 14th pick in the second round. He ultimately chose to sign with Dallas, which is where he would remain throughout the entirety of his 14-season NFL career.
According to the New York Post, Jordan racked up 1,236 team-credited tackles, a franchise record that stood until 2002. He also generated a number of turnovers, including 32 career interceptions, an impressive number for a career linebacker. He also hauled in at least six interceptions in two separate seasons.
Jordan was part of the team’s “Doomsday Defense” in two NFL championship appearances and three Super Bowls, the highlight being a Super Bowl VI over the Miami Dolphins. In 1989, Jordan was inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor.
