Lee Roy Jordan, the middle linebacker who anchored the Dallas Cowboys' Doomsday Defense and delivered the franchise's first Super Bowl title, has died. He was 84.
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The Cowboys confirmed Jordan's passing Saturday with a statement calling him "an inspirational leader of the Cowboys' first championship teams" and "the embodiment of the Cowboys' spirit."
Born in Excel, Alabama, Jordan became a national star under Bear Bryant at Alabama. He helped the Crimson Tide win the 1961 national title and followed with a unanimous All-American season in 1962. He capped his college career with a legendary 30-tackle performance in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma.
Dallas made him the No. 6 overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft. Jordan never left. For 14 seasons he patrolled the middle, piling up 1,236 credited tackles — a franchise record that stood until 2002 — and 32 career interceptions. Twice he posted six picks in a season, numbers unheard of for a linebacker.
Jordan played in two NFL championship games and three Super Bowls, helping Dallas win Super Bowl VI over the Dolphins. He was named to five Pro Bowls, earned Ring of Honor status in 1989, and became one of the faces of Tom Landry's legendary defenses.
Alabama Football paid tribute by calling him "a champion, a leader, and forever part of Alabama Football history." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones added: "With fearless instincts, leadership and a relentless work ethic, Jordan was the embodiment of the Cowboys' spirit."
Jordan never made the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his impact on both Alabama and Dallas is unquestioned. Fourteen years in the middle of the Cowboys' defense, one ring, and a reputation as the heart of the Doomsday unit.
