The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL community has received sad news as it has been reported that Pettis Norman has passed away at the age of 86. He was a former tight end for the Texas team in the 1960s. He played for the Cowboys from 1962 to 1970, catching 124 passes for 1,672 yards and 14 touchdowns. He joined the San Diego Chargers in 1971 and caught 59 passes for 820 yards and one touchdown in three seasons.
Under a statement on social media, Dallas Cowboys said: “We are saddened by the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman. Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to the community and dedication to equal opportunity, we are incredibly proud and grateful to have shared his extraordinary story recently.”
Pettis Norman’s life after the NFL
The “Dallas Texans” franchise of that decade selected Norman in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL Draft, but he never played for the Texans. Norman signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. After ending his sports career, Pettis worked in real estate, with apartments, restaurant franchises and single-family homes. He created five companies under the umbrella of PNI Industries.
Meanwhile, the Norman family also issued a message to their loyal fans. “Pettis passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his beloved wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A staunch advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected executive and civic leader, widely known for his accomplishments both on and off the field. He leaves a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy for underserved people and a deep commitment to his community.”
Pettis Norman, a living witness to the ‘Ice Bowl’
He played in the 1967 NFL Championship, known as the “Ice Bowl” against the Green Bay Packers at frigid Lambeau Field, where the Dallas Cowboys lost 21-17 in the final minutes of the game, largely due to Bart Starr’s surprise play. When Mike Ditka joined the Cowboys in 1969, after being a four-time All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears, Norman remained the starter, but split playing time with Ditka to provide great blocking and leadership along the offensive line.
Norman was also a starter in Super Bowl V, which was a loss to the Baltimore Colts. As a curious fact, in that game, sports announcer Jack Buck, during his two years covering the Cowboys, referred to him as “Norman Pettis,” which led Blackie Sherrod, a Dallas sportswriter, to write: “Dallas fans are tired of announcer Buck Jack constantly referring to Pettis Norman as Norman Pettis.”
Read the full article here
