By Darin RIP John Fitzgerald 🕯️#DallasCowboys Center, 1971-80
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) April 16, 2026
Super Bowl VI and XII Champion and four-time NFC Champion
Point person of Dallas's "Zero Club" offensive line and the trigger man for the #Cowboys' bold 1975 re-introduction of the "shotgun" formation pic.twitter.com/PLIl1ALXmL
News broke on April 15, 2026, that former NFL center John Fitzgerald died.
John Fitzgerald was a foundational piece of the Dallas Cowboys’ dominance in the 1970s. Known for his intelligence and technical skill at center, he provided the literal “snap” for Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach.
College Career
- Boston College (1967–1969): Fitzgerald was a versatile athlete who played both offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Eagles.
- Recognition: His standout performance earned him an induction into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
NFL Career (Dallas Cowboys, 1970–1981)
Selected in the 4th round of the 1970 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald spent his entire 12-year professional career with the Cowboys.
- The Shotgun Specialist: In 1975, when Tom Landry reintroduced the shotgun formation to the NFL, Fitzgerald’s role became vital. He was praised for his rare ability to consistently snap the ball 7 yards back to the quarterback without looking, a high-pressure task that helped transform the Dallas offense.
- “Four Irishmen and a Scott”: Fitzgerald famously nicknamed the team’s late-70s offensive line, referring to himself, Pat Donovan, Tom Rafferty, Jim Cooper, and Herb Scott.
- Super Bowl Success: He was a member of five Super Bowl teams (V, VI, X, XII, and XIII) and won two championship rings:
- Super Bowl VI (backup)
- Super Bowl XII (starter)
- Longevity: He played in 137 regular-season games and 19 postseason games. He remained the starting center from 1973 until a series of knee and shoulder injuries led to his retirement following the 1981 season.
