Have you ever wondered why the Dallas Cowboys are called “America’s Team”? The moniker wasn’t just something the franchise came up with on a whim, nor did they become “America’s Team” for no apparent reason. Who it was that gave the Cowboys that distinction? Well, one of the pioneers, the architects, who helped turn the Cowboys into “America’s Team” was none other than Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt. Unfortunately, it’s been reported that Brandt has passed away on Thursday at the age of 91.
Brandt has enjoyed a long, rich history with the Cowboys, dating all the way back to 1960 when he was the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel for 28 years. From 1960 all the way until May 1989, when he was ultimately fired by none other than current Cowboys owner & GM Jerry Jones.
Brandt was involved in helping the Cowboys win two Super Bowl championships, at the expense of the Miami Dolphins & Denver Broncos, in addition to putting together 20 straight winning seasons. Jones released a statement on Thursday, mourning the loss of one of the best in pro football history:
“We are so deeply saddened by the passing of Gil Brandt — a true icon and pioneer of our sport. Gil was at the very core of the early success of the Dallas Cowboys and continued to serve as a great ambassador for the organization for decades beyond that. His contributions cemented his spot in the Ring of Honor,” Jones said in a statement. “He was my friend and a mentor not only to me, but to countless executives, coaches, players and broadcasters across the National Football League, which rightfully earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will be celebrated forever.”
The Pro Football Hall of Fame reportedly lowered their flag to half-staff in honor of Brandt and his legacy. HOF President Jim Porter issued his own statement, mourning Brandt’s passing:
“You can’t tell the story about the success of the Dallas Cowboys and their two-decade run of winning seasons from the mid-1960s to mid-1980s without mentioning Gil Brandt,” Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said in a statement Thursday.
“His innovative approach to scouting and player evaluation helped the organization find players others overlooked. The result was discovering future Cowboys from smaller colleges, or even off college basketball or track teams. He is credited with advancing the use of computers in the front office of pro football teams, but the real computer was the one in his own head, where he stored an incredible amount of information that he loved to share with anyone who appreciated the game like he did.”
Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, Brandt.
In honor of the life of Gil Brandt, the Hall of Fame flag has been lowered to half-staff. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/VYg4ESHSb6
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 31, 2023