Lee Roy Jordan, a five-time Pro Bowler who played a key role in helping the Dallas Cowboys capture their first Super Bowl title in 1971, has died at the age of 84.
The Cowboys announced his passing on Saturday in a heartfelt statement shared on X.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the passing of Lee Roy Jordan,” the team wrote per the New York Post. “An inspirational leader of the Cowboys first championship teams, Jordan was at the core of the Dallas Cowboys ‘Doomsday Defense,’ anchoring the middle linebacker spot for 14 years.”
Lee Roy Jordan was a legendary linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, remembered as one of the toughest and most dependable players in the team’s history. Born on April 27, 1941, in Excel, Alabama, Jordan grew up on a farm and developed his strength and work ethic early. He became a standout player at the University of Alabama, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant. At Alabama, he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1961 and was named an All-American.
In 1963, Jordan was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and quickly became the heart of their defense. He played his entire 14-year NFL career with the Cowboys, from 1963 to 1976, earning a reputation as a fierce tackler, smart leader, and reliable presence on the field. At just 6 feet tall and around 220 pounds, he was considered undersized for a linebacker, but he made up for it with speed, toughness, and instinct.
Jordan was a key part of the Cowboys’ rise to greatness under coach Tom Landry. He played in three Super Bowls, helping the team win its first championship in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins in 1972. Over his career, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and was named to the All-Pro team multiple times. He still ranks among the Cowboys’ all-time leaders in tackles and interceptions by a linebacker.
Off the field, Jordan was respected for his leadership and professionalism. After retiring from football in 1976, he built a successful business career in the Dallas area. In 1989, he was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, joining the franchise’s most iconic names.
