Episode Details

John Fitzgerald, a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, passed away, leaving fans mourning. Known for his twelve-season stint from 1971 to 1984, Fitzgerald started 108 games, never playing on a losing team. He was instrumental in two Super Bowl wins, including the 1972 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Fitzgerald, initially a backup, secured the starting spot in 1973 and mastered the shotgun formation, contributing to three Super Bowl appearances in four years. His line, dubbed the four Irishmen and a brother, was a tight-knit crew that powered the Cowboys through the 70s and 80s. The team lost another O-line legend, Tom Rafferty, in 2021. Drafted in 1977, Rafferty started at guard for four years before moving to center in 1981, a role he held for nine seasons. Both Fitzgerald and Rafferty defined those powerhouse lines, bridging eras from Staubach to Aikman with grit and reliability.

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