The Dallas Cowboys have lost a player who was courageous and loyal throughout his career and one of the greatest in the history of the team. Legendary linebacker Lee Roy Jordan of the “Ring of Honor” died Thursday night at age 84. He was a role model in honesty, hard work and social service inside and outside the profession. His life is an inspiration that will never fade.
Tribute to Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys owner and president Jerry Jones said that Jordan’s fearless mentality, leadership skills and work ethic were what defined him as a member of the Cowboys. He not only made football great, but took social service as his calling. Even after retirement, he was active and continued to serve the society and work for the development of the community.
Early life and college football
Lee Roy Jordan’s football career took him to the University of Alabama. Here he was tutored under the renowned Paul “Bear” Bryant. In 1961 he guided his team to the national championship, and the following year he was chosen in the All-America team. This was a sign of his great skill and talent which made him a star at the college itself.
NFL debut and early career
In 1963, Lee Roy Jordan was the sixth overall pick for the first round by the Dallas Cowboys. Thereafter he continued to play his entire 14-year NFL career under Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry. During this period he was an important member of the team’s famous Doomsday Defense. He was very knowledgeable of the game and had the leadership skills to be the true general of the team.
Achievements and Records
Jordan had a long career with several great accomplishments. He took his team to the playoffs 10 times, the NFL Championship twice and the Super Bowl three times. In 1971 he was instrumental in helping the team win the Lombardi Trophy.
He is one of very few linebackers in NFL history who has more than 30 interceptions and 15 fumbles recovered. In 1973, he threw three interceptions and one touchdown in one game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In his career, he was a Pro Bowl five-time pick and an All-Pro twice. He is also the holder of the record of 1,236 tackles, which was the highest in the history of the Dallas Cowboys at that time and this record remained untouched for 26 years.
Jordan in the eyes of fellow players
Jordan’s leadership and fighting spirit were constants that his teammates never forgot. Cliff Harris remembered the time when he first came to the team, Jordan said to him – We are going to win the Super Bowl this year and I don’t want you to screw it up. This was obviously a sign of his seriousness and want to win.
Charlie Waters called him “an amazing athlete and an extremely strong player. Head Coach of Defense was the moniker even given him by the legendary coach Tom Landry. This was evidence that he was not just a playing machine, but the soul of the entire defense.
Honor and legacy
Lee Roy Jordan was enshrined into the Cowboys “Ring of Honor” in 1989. He was the first player ever honored by current owner Jerry Jones.
He did other service work off the field, too. Gaylord was always a leader when working for the community and he spent a huge portion of his life working for people.
Last words
Lee Roy Jordan wasn’t just a successful football player, he was a living example of hard work, fearlessness, and leadership. He made a profound impact on the sports world and society. Even though he’s not with us today, his memory, his contributions and his inspiration will be forever. Millions will look at him as an idol and role model.
FAQs
Q1. Who was Lee Roy Jordan?
Lee Roy Jordan was a legendary linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and a member of the team’s Ring of Honor.
Q2. How old was Lee Roy Jordan when he passed away?
He passed away at the age of 84.
Q3. What were Lee Roy Jordan’s major achievements?
He played 14 seasons with the Cowboys, made five Pro Bowl appearances, and helped the team win the Super Bowl in 1971.
Q4. Why is Lee Roy Jordan remembered beyond football?
He was admired not only for his fearless play but also for his commitment to social service and community work.
