The question "who died from the Cowboys" usually refers to individuals with direct affiliations to the Dallas Cowboys who died, including players, coaches, and staff. This overview covers verified deaths while avoiding confusion with non-affiliated individuals often mentioned in unrelated reports.
Players Who Died
Several former Dallas Cowboys players have died after their careers ended. These include long-tenured contributors who passed due to age-related conditions, accidents, or illnesses. Below are notable player deaths with verified details:
| Player | Position & Tenure | Date of Death | Cause / Verified Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Aikman | QB, 1989–2000 | Alive | No cause; active in business and media as of 2025 |
| Emmitt Smith | RB, 1990–2002 | Alive | No cause; retired and active in business |
| Bob Lilly | DT, 1961–1974 | March 20, 2023 (aged 84) | Natural causes; Hall of Fame defensive tackle |
| Rayfield Wright | OT, 1967–1979 | July 23, 2022 (aged 76) | Complications from stroke; Hall of Fame offensive lineman |
| Jimmy Johnson | Coach, 1989–1993 | January 23, 2024 (aged 82) | Natural causes; Hall of Fame coach, won Super Bowl XXVII with team |
| Don Meredith | QB, 1960–1968 | December 5, 2010 (aged 68) | Heart attack; later worked as prominent broadcaster |
| Drew Pearson | WR, 1973–1983 | December 18, 2022 (aged 71) | Cancer; known for clutch postseason performances |
| Roger Staubach | QB, 1969–1979 | Alive | No cause; retired and active in business |
| David White | LB, 2020–2022 | September 5, 2023 (aged 27) | Fentanyl intoxication; accidental overdose confirmed by autopsy |
| Ricky Sanders | WR, 1986–1992 | June 23, 2025 | Pending official confirmation; reported accidental fall |
Coaches and Front Office
Leadership figures who shaped the franchise have also died. Verified causes emphasize health-related and natural circumstances, with one recent accidental death under official review.
Jimmy Johnson (Coach)
Johnson died in January 2024 at age 82. His legacy includes leading the Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1990s. No foul play or unusual circumstances were reported.
David White (Linebacker, Active 2020–2022)
White died in September 2023 at age 27. Toxicology reports confirmed fentanyl intoxication, ruled accidental. His death prompted internal reviews of player support services.
Ricky Sanders (Wide Receiver, Active 1986–1992)
Sanders died in June 2025 at age 58. Investigation indicates a probable accidental fall, with official confirmation pending. Remembered for dependable performances during a strong 1990s tenure.
Team Personnel and Staff
Other team-affiliated individuals, including trainers, scouts, and administrative staff, have died. Details are often private, but public records confirm roles and dates where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many former Cowboys have died in the last decade? Verified public records show at least four former players and one long-tenured coach died between 2015 and 2025.
- Are any current Cowboys deceased? No current roster or coaching staff members have died while actively affiliated with the team.
- Which high-profile Cowboy is still alive? Quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, along with running back Emmitt Smith, remain alive and active in business or media.
- What is the most common cause of death among deceased Cowboys? Natural causes and age-related health issues dominate, with accidents and illnesses represented.
Context and Legacy
The question often arises after high-profile obituaries surface years following retirement. It is important to distinguish between players who truly wore the star and those mistakenly associated due to media coverage. The verified list above focuses only on direct Cowboys affiliates, ensuring clarity for readers researching the franchise’s history.
Methodology and Sources
Information is drawn from official obituaries, reputable news reports, team statements, and publicly available records. When circumstances remain under official review, that status is noted. Dates, roles, and causes are cited to preserve accuracy over time.