Former Super Bowl champion John Niland has passed away at the age of 82, according to an announcement from his family.
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Niland, a former member of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, passed away at his home in Texas on Aug. 15 at 7:20 a.m. The family requested privacy at this time but noted that they will announce information about a celebration of live service.
Additionally, the family said that Niland's brain will be donated to the Boston University CTE Center so that it can be studied to see the effects of professional sports on the human body.
"In lieu of cards, please email photos, videos, stories and memories to [email protected] so the family can have these things forever," the post on Facebook said. "Thank you to the millions of friends and fans that have supported, cheered on and loved our John just as much as we did.
"Additionally, the Niland family would like to extend the upmost respect, appreciation and love for John's full-time caregiver for 6+ years, Jackie. You will forever be a part of our lives and you have been an invaluable friend to us and John."
The fifth overall pick in the 1966 NFL Draft, Niland spent the first nine years of his career in Dallas, and he made a considerable impact while lining up on the offensive line.
The Massachusetts native earned six trips to the Pro Bowl during his Dallas tenure, and he earned First-Team All-Pro honors three times. He played in 15 playoff games over eight seasons, and he helped the Tom Landry-led team reach back-to-back Super Bowls.
The Cowboys lost to the Colts in Super Bowl 5 on Jan. 17, 1971. The team then defeated the Dolphins in Super Bowl 6 on Jan. 16, 1972.
Niland closed out his NFL career with one season in Philadelphia. He played in 14 games while helping protect Mike Boryla and Roman Gabriel.
"The Dallas Cowboys mourn the passing of John Niland," the team said in a statement. "An All-Pro guard, John was at the core of Tom Landry's greatest teams and a Super Bowl champion.
"A tough, dedicated, team-first player that battled relentlessly on the line and represented excellence in every way. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones."
