Dallas, Texas — John Fitzgerald, a former center for the Dallas Cowboys and a key contributor to two Super Bowl victories, has passed away at 77. The team announced his death on Tuesday, noting that Fitzgerald died on April 14, 2026, just days shy of his 78th birthday. The cause of death has not been disclosed by his family or the organization.
Fitzgerald’s path to professional football began in Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he showcased his athleticism as both a fullback in high school and a shot putter in track and field. His talents earned him a scholarship to Boston College, where he excelled on the football field as an offensive guard and defensive tackle. His performance at Boston College led to his induction into the school’s Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
The Cowboys selected Fitzgerald in the fourth round of the 1970 NFL Draft, marking the start of a remarkable 12-year career in the NFL. Initially finding his footing on the taxi squad, he was converted from defense to the offensive line, where he made an indelible mark.
Fitzgerald’s first major achievement came as a backup guard during Dallas’s Super Bowl VI win against the Miami Dolphins in 1972. By 1973, he had secured the center position, a role he maintained for the rest of his career. His contributions were vital to the team’s consistent offensive success throughout the 1970s, helping the Cowboys rank among the NFL’s top 10 in total offense each year from 1973 to 1980.
In 1975, Fitzgerald played a pivotal role in the team’s revival of the shotgun formation, skillfully snapping the ball to quarterback Roger Staubach. This adaptation contributed to the team’s strategic evolution, leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances in four seasons, including a notable victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII.
Fitzgerald was an essential part of one of the most celebrated offensive line groups in NFL history, affectionately dubbed “Four Irishmen and a Scott.” This elite line helped drive the success of star running back Tony Dorsett and contributed to the franchise’s storied legacy. His ability to hold the offensive line together earned him immense respect from teammates, even if Pro Bowl honors eluded him throughout his career.
Over his career, Fitzgerald appeared in 137 regular season games, starting 109, and participated in 19 postseason contests, with 13 starts that rank among the best in Cowboys history. His tenure included 11 playoff appearances and five trips to the Super Bowl, solidifying his place in the team’s history.
Fitzgerald’s retirement in 1982 marked the end of a successful period for the Cowboys, and he was soon recognized as one of the franchise’s all-time great centers alongside legends like Dave Manders and Mark Stepnoski. His legacy extended beyond statistics, as his peers acknowledged his significant role in the team’s offensive achievements.
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes from fans and fellow players flooded social media, celebrating Fitzgerald’s contributions to the game. Football historian Kevin Gallagher underscored his impact by calling him the “trigger man for the Cowboys’ bold 1975 reintroduction of the shotgun formation,” a strategy that required precision and skill at the center position.
Fitzgerald leaves behind a lasting legacy in the NFL, remembered not only for his championships but also for his impact on how the game is played.