UPDATE: The Dallas Cowboys are in mourning following the passing of two-time Super Bowl champion D. D. Lewis, who died on September 16, 2023, at the age of 79. Tributes pour in as the organization remembers a player who was not only a defensive powerhouse but also a beloved teammate.
Lewis, a College Football Hall of Famer, joined the Cowboys after being selected in the sixth round of the 1968 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. He quickly became a vital part of the team’s legendary Doomsday Defense, known for his fierce playing style and leadership on the field. Despite missing the entire 1969 season due to military service, Lewis returned to become a regular starter by 1973, positioning himself alongside Cowboys greats like Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan.
Lewis’s contributions to the Cowboys were monumental. He celebrated his first Super Bowl victory in 1972, defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-3. After a tough loss in Super Bowl X, Lewis helped the Cowboys reclaim glory by winning again six years later. Over his remarkable 13-year career, he played in an astounding 27 playoff games, a franchise record that stands alongside legends like Tom Brady and Jerry Rice.
Fellow linebacker Bob Breunig remarked, “D. D. was a locker room peacemaker, peacekeeper, because everybody loved D. D. He had this happy spirit about him and was a great linebacker too.” His absence leaves a significant void in the Cowboys’ family, especially coming so soon after the loss of fellow teammate Lee Roy Jordan on August 30.
Lewis’s legacy in the NFL is characterized not just by his athletic achievements but also by his influence within the team. He started in 132 games and never experienced a losing season, underscoring the impact he had during a golden era for the Cowboys. His selection as the Cowboys’ Man of the Year in his final season speaks volumes about his character, demonstrating how much he meant to the organization and his peers.
Fans and former teammates are encouraged to share their memories and condolences as the Cowboys honor Lewis’s life and career. The team’s official social media channels are flooded with tributes, showcasing the profound impact he had on and off the field. As the Cowboys navigate this loss, they reflect on a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
This urgent news highlights the human impact of Lewis’s passing, reminding us of the bonds formed through sports and the lasting influence athletes can have on their communities. As more tributes emerge, the Cowboys and their fans unite in remembrance of a true football icon.
