The Dallas Cowboys recently mourned the loss of Lee Roy Jordan, a true legend of the team, who passed away at 84. His contributions to the Cowboys and the community are deeply felt.
Team owner Jerry Jones spoke highly of Jordan, describing him as a natural leader with an unmatched work ethic. After retiring in 1976, Jordan dedicated himself to his community, making a lasting impact beyond the field. His legacy serves as a testament to dedication and integrity.
Before joining the Cowboys, Jordan played at the University of Alabama under the iconic coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He helped the Crimson Tide secure the national title in 1961 and earned unanimous All-American honors the subsequent year. The Cowboys selected him sixth overall in the 1963 NFL Draft, and from there, his career blossomed under coach Tom Landry.
During his impressive 14 seasons with the Cowboys, Jordan was a middle linebacker and the heart of the notorious Doomsday Defense. He led the team to the playoffs ten times, participated in two NFL Championship games, and played in three Super Bowls. The pinnacle of his career came when the team claimed the Lombardi Trophy in 1971.
Cliff Harris, a former teammate, recalled a moment from their first game together at the Cotton Bowl. Jordan confidently told him, “We’re going to the Super Bowl this year,” setting the tone for their focused season. Another teammate, Charlie Waters, praised his toughness, saying, “He was tough as the day is long.”
Jordan finished his career with 1,236 tackles, a Cowboys record that stood for 26 years. He is also one of just five linebackers in NFL history to have over 30 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries. Notably, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1973, he had three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Despite sacks not being officially recorded during his playing days, estimates suggest he achieved around 19.5 sacks. His impressive performance earned him Pro Bowl selections five times and second-team All-Pro honors in 1969 and 1973.
In 1989, Jordan was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, being the first to receive this honor under the ownership of Jerry Jones. Jones remarked that Jordan’s impact would be felt forever and extended heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Fans and former players took to social media to celebrate Jordan’s life, sharing memories of his leadership and skill. His spirit will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
For further insights into his impact on the game, you can read the [Pro Football Hall of Fame’s retrospective on his career](https://www.profootballhof.com).
Source link
News – All News,News – All News,Lee Roy Jordan,News – Kurt Daniels
