The Dallas Cowboys have announced the death of former linebacker D.D. Lewis, a cornerstone of the team’s defense during the 1970s and winner of two Super Bowls. He was 79.
Lewis, drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 1968 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, spent his entire 13-year career in Dallas. He appeared in a franchise-record 27 playoff games, helping lead Tom Landry’s legendary “Doomsday Defense” to prominence.
From Bulldog Legend to Cowboys Lifer
Before his NFL career, Lewis was a standout at Mississippi State, where he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1967. The school paid tribute on social media:
“We mourn the passing of Bulldog legend D.D. Lewis. An All-SEC standout and 1967 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he played 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys, appeared in five Super Bowls, won two, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.”
Lewis’ career with Dallas included five Super Bowl appearances, winning championships in 1971 (Super Bowl VI) and 1977 (Super Bowl XII). In the latter, he recorded a sack in the Cowboys’ 27–10 victory over the Denver Broncos.
An Underappreciated Star of the Doomsday Defense
Though he began his career in a backup role behind Chuck Howley, Lewis emerged as a key starter by 1973. Playing alongside Lee Roy Jordan, he became one of the most reliable linebackers of his era.
While Lewis never earned a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection, the Cowboys named him to their Silver Anniversary Team in 1984. He played in 186 career games, registering 15.5 sacks.
The Cowboys described him as “one of the most underappreciated players in franchise history” in his obituary.
The Quote That Lives On
Lewis is also remembered for delivering one of the most famous quotes in Cowboys lore. Reflecting on the unique design of Texas Stadium, he said in 1982:
“Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so God can watch his favorite team play.”
The remark has endured as a piece of Cowboys mythology, standing alongside Jimmy Johnson’s iconic “How ’bout them Cowboys?”
Legacy
D.D. Lewis embodied the Cowboys’ golden era of the 1970s — consistent, loyal, and always ready in the biggest games. His impact will live on not only through his championships and records, but also in the lasting culture of America’s Team.
