Pettis Norman, Former Nfl Player And Civil Rights Advocate, Dead At 86

Pettis Norman, a erstwhile NFL tight extremity who was besides known for organizing civilian authorities marches successful nan 1960s and 1970s, has died, nan Dallas Cowboys announced connected Monday. He was 86.

Norman played for nan Cowboys from 1962 to 1970 and wrapped his profession pinch nan San Diego Chargers, competing for them from 1971 to 1973.

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CEO Pettis B. Norman of Dallas, Texas-based PNI, was a prima tight extremity for nan Cowboys successful nan 1960s. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

"We mourn nan passing of erstwhile tight extremity and civilian authorities advocator Pettis Norman," nan Cowboys said successful a connection posted connected X. "Known for his selfless leadership, committedness to community, and dedication to creating adjacent opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to stock his singular communicative recently."

Norman attended Johnson C. Smith University earlier he was selected successful nan American Football League draught by nan Dallas Texans successful 1962. He ne'er played a down for nan Texans earlier he joined nan Cowboys.

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He was nan first subordinate from Johnson C. Smith University to play successful nan NFL.

"Johnson C. Smith University honors nan life of Pettis Norman ’62 – nan first Golden Bull successful nan NFL," nan schoolhouse said successful a connection connected X. "A Dallas Cowboy, CIAA Hall of Famer, and proud JCSU alumnus, he was much than an jock – he was a trailblazer. Rest well, legend."

Norman’s civilian authorities defense was highlighted successful a recent profile from nan Cowboys.

He was 1 of nan players who influenced legendary caput coach Tom Landry to alteration nan measurement edifice rooms were distributed, which was primitively by race.

Tight extremity Pettis Norman of nan Chargers is pushed retired of bounds by protect backmost Cornell Green of nan Dallas Cowboys astatine San Diego Stadium connected Nov. 5, 1972 successful California. (James Flores/Getty Images)

"I tried to do immoderate I could do thief alteration nan kinds of things that nine had operated nether for specified a agelong time," Norman antecedently said.

He was besides nan laminitis of nan Dallas Together Forum. HBCU Gameday described it arsenic an inaugural that helped power Dallas corporations to "improve number hiring practices and summation contracts for women- and minority-owned businesses."

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Norman played successful 162 games successful nan NFL. He caught 183 passes for 2,492 yards and 15 touchdowns.

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