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| Rayfield Wright | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rayfield Wright |
| Birth date | November 24, 1945 |
| Birth place | Gibsland, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Death date | April 7, 2022 |
| Death place | Carrollton, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 280 lb |
| Position | Offensive tackle |
| College | Fort Valley State |
| Draft | 1967 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 183 (Dallas Cowboys) |
| Teams | Dallas Cowboys (1967–1979) |
| Hof | Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006) |
Rayfield Wright
Rayfield Wright was an American professional football player who played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and partnership with prominent linemen, he became a central figure in the Cowboys' offensive line during the franchise's most successful era. Wright's career included multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, Super Bowl appearances, and eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Rayfield Wright was born in Gibsland, Louisiana, and raised during the postwar era in the American South, where he attended Monroe area schools before enrolling at Fort Valley State University. He spent formative years in environments shaped by regional institutions such as Louisiana State University and nearby historically black colleges and universities like Grambling State University and Southern University, which contextualized collegiate athletics for African American athletes in the 1960s. Wright's early athletic development occurred against the backdrop of changing civil rights landscapes, with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and events such as the Civil Rights Movement influencing opportunities for Black athletes in collegiate sports.
At Fort Valley State University, Wright competed for the Wildcats under coaches influenced by the tradition of HBCU football exemplified by Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University and Jake Gaither at Florida A&M University. During this period he demonstrated mobility and speed, traits that drew the attention of professional scouts from franchises including the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. Wright's performance in college all-star games and regional combines placed him among contemporaries from programs like Alcorn State University and Tennessee State University, contributing to his selection in the 1967 NFL Draft.
Selected in the 1967 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Wright developed into a mainstay on an offensive line that protected quarterbacks such as Don Meredith, Craig Morton, and Roger Staubach. He transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle, forming a celebrated line with teammates including Larry Allen-era successors and earlier colleagues like Tony Liscio and Randy White. Wright helped the Cowboys reach multiple NFL Championship and Super Bowl games, participating in postseason matchups against franchises such as the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. Under head coaches Tom Landry and staff coordinators connected to the Cowboys' innovative schemes, Wright earned Pro Bowl selections and contributed to offensive units featuring skill-position players like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Bob Hayes.
Wright's role was pivotal in Dallas' 1971 NFL Championship run and the subsequent Super Bowl VI victory over the Miami Dolphins, as well as later Super Bowl appearances. His tenure coincided with key league developments including the NFL-AFL merger and the rise of televised prime time contests like Monday Night Football. Wright's professionalism also placed him among veteran leaders involved in veteran player associations and community outreach tied to organizations such as the NFL Players Association.
Wright was noted for combining size, footwork, and agility, allowing him to excel in pass protection and run blocking against premier defensive linemen from teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers. Analysts compared his lateral quickness with contemporaries from franchises including the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. His adaptability to both zone and power schemes helped influence later generations of tackles from programs such as University of Miami and University of Southern California. Wright's legacy endures through his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his influence on coaching techniques employed by offensive line mentors who worked with NFL teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, and his presence in Cowboys lore alongside figures like Tex Schramm and Gil Brandt.
Off the field, Wright engaged in business and community activities in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, participating in charitable efforts connected to local institutions such as Parkland Memorial Hospital and civic groups across Texas. He interacted with former teammates and coaches at alumni events tied to the Cowboys organization and NFL alumni networks, collaborating with figures from professional sports and entertainment. Wright's post-playing career included speaking engagements, youth mentoring collaborations with high schools in the Dallas Independent School District, and participation in veteran player health initiatives coordinated with the NFLPA.
Wright's individual honors included multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro recognition, and his 2006 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Cowboys honored Wright through team recognitions that placed him among franchise greats memorialized alongside inductees such as Bob Lilly and Roger Staubach. He received acknowledgments from state and local bodies, joining ranks with prominent Texans honored by institutions like the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and community awards presented in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Wright died on April 7, 2022, in Carrollton, Texas. His passing prompted tributes from NFL organizations, former teammates, and sports media outlets referencing his role in Cowboys history and the broader NFL. Statements came from the Dallas Cowboys organization, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and colleagues who played with or against him across decades, while contemporary players and coaches acknowledged his influence on offensive line play and professional conduct.
Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:1945 births Category:2022 deaths