{"id":47915,"date":"2025-07-08T05:45:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T05:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/47915\/"},"modified":"2025-07-08T05:45:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T05:45:11","slug":"dallas-cowboys-hero-and-iconic-civil-rights-activist-pettis-norman-dies-at-86","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/47915\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys hero and iconic civil rights activist Pettis Norman dies at 86"},"content":{"rendered":"

By JAMES COHEN<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 22:02 EDT, 7 July 2025 | Updated: 22:07 EDT, 7 July 2025 <\/p>\n

Former Dallas Cowboys<\/a> star Pettis Norman has died aged 86.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The NFL franchise confirmed the news with a statement on Monday, which read: ‘We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and\u00a0grateful to share his remarkable story recently’.<\/p>\n

Norman was selected by the Dallas Texans in the 2962 AFL<\/a> Draft however never played for the side. He eventually joined the Cowboys as a free agent.<\/p>\n

The former tight end spent nine seasons with the franchise and – across 121 games – recorded 124 catches, 14 touchdowns and over 1,600 receiving yards.<\/p>\n

Away from the football pitch, Norman was also an entrepreneur and a civil rights activist. He influenced the changing of the team’s roommate assignments and helped break social barriers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Former <\/p>\n

Former Dallas Cowboys star and civil rights activist Pettis Norman has died aged 86<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The Cowboys released a statement which honored Norman’s ‘commitment to community’<\/p>\n

He also founded the Dallas Together Forum, which worked alongside Dallas CEOs to improve minority hiring.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He also once sued the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers over ‘medical negligence’ regarding the handling of an injured knee.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A family statement read: ‘[Norman] passed away peacefully in his sleep… surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, grandson, and great grandchildren.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘A strong advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected business executive and civic leader, known widely for his accomplishments both on and off the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘He leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy on behalf of underserved people, and a deep commitment to his community.’\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys<\/a>Kansas City Chiefs<\/a><\/p>\n

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