THE Dallas Cowboys are in mourning over the loss of Lee Roy Jordan, who has passed away at the age of 84.
After being picked up in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1963, Jordan played for the Cowboys for 14 seasons.
Lee Roy Jordan has died at the age of 84[/caption]
Jordan played linebacker for the Cowboys from 1963 to 1976[/caption]
In 1989, he became the seventh member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
He was also the first member inducted by current owner and GM, Jerry Jones.
In an official statement, Jones said, “With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys’ spirit.
“Off the field, his commitment to his community was the centerpiece of his life after retiring in 1976. His legacy lives on as a model of dedication, integrity and toughness.”
Jordan was the undisputed leader of the famed Doomsday Defence, manning the middle linebacker position for much of his career.
The team appeared in two NFL Championship Games and three Super Bowls during his tenure, including winning the Lombardi Trophy in 1971.
They also made the playoffs ten times.
The defensive star made 32 interceptions and recovered 18 fumbles.
He is one of only five linebackers in NFL history with at least 30 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries, according to Pro Football Reference.
This defensive quality led to him being named in the Pro Bowl five times.
Before the NFL, Jordan featured for the University of Alabama, where he had been born and raised, for three years.
He helped the Crimson Tide win the 1961 national title.
A year later, he earned unanimous All-American status and won the Lineman of the Year award.
Jordan was then selected as the sixth overall pick of the 1963 NFL Draft by the Cowboys and represented them all his career.
He became the franchise’s all-time leader in solo tackles (743) in his 14 seasons with Dallas.
Fans have paid their respects on social media to the NFL legend.
One posted, “RIP .. legend of those old cowboy teams .. these guys really built the framework of the game today”.
A second commented, “A true legend has passed on”.
Another said, “Was fortunate to meet him later in life. What a class act. Great man.”
A fourth wrote, “Sad to hear this. He was before my time but my dad always talked about how tough he was.
“Makes me appreciate current guys like @WHarris_21 who carry on that hard-nosed LB tradition.”
