Longtime Cowboys executive Gil Brandt has passed away at the age 91, according to NFL.com.
“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,” Cowboys owner Jerry 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.”
Longtime Cowboys executive Gil Brandt
Brandt worked with legendary coach Tom Landry and GM Tex Schramm to turn the Cowboys into Super Bowl contenders.
Brandt was part of a triumvirate -- along with head coach Tom Landry and team president/general manager Tex Schramm -- that built "America's Team," assembling a roster that included QB Roger Staubach, RB Tony Dorsett, WR Drew Pearson, DB Mel Renfro and many more illustrious names, according to NFL.com
Brandt was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
"(Brandt's) 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," Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement released Thursday. "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."
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones in addition to the Dallas Cowboys.