Pettis Norman, a noteworthy 12-season NFL participant who committed a significant portion of his career to the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 86.
Norman dedicated nine seasons to the Cowboys and was a member of the franchise’s inaugural team to compete in a Super Bowl — a Super Bowl V defeat against the Baltimore Colts. Norman, who concluded his final three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, served in the Texas Army National Guard during his initial seven NFL seasons.
Norman was highly regarded for his endeavors as a civil rights champion. In the 1990s, he established the Dallas Together Forum, an undertaking that collaborated with Dallas CEOs to enhance minority recruitment and the allocation of contracts to women and minority-owned enterprises by Dallas corporations.
“We express our sorrow upon learning of the demise of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman,” the Cowboys stated on Monday. “Recognized for his unselfish leadership, dedication to the community, and commitment to fostering equal opportunities, we were exceptionally proud and appreciative to recently share his compelling narrative.”
Norman’s engagement in civil rights advocacy commenced during his college years when he participated in lunch counter demonstrations aimed at facilitating integration. On the field, Norman’s achievements at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte garnered attention from Cowboys scout Gil Brandt, who would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Norman was selected in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL Draft by the Dallas Texans, but Brandt successfully signed Norman to the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.
While in Dallas, Norman played a role in persuading Cowboys Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry to discontinue the practice of assigning hotel rooms based on race. Outside of football, Norman became the first Black official at a banking institution in Dallas.
“Pettis encouraged all of the players to establish bank accounts,” former Cowboys running back Calvin Hill remarked. “He encouraged us to build credit. He encouraged us to become actively involved in the community.”
Norman also experienced prosperous careers in the realms of business and broadcasting.
“I made an effort to contribute in any way possible to help bring about change in the societal norms that had been in place for an extended period,” Norman stated.
As a player, Norman achieved an impressive average of 13.6 yards per reception throughout his NFL career. In 1970, he was a starter in each of the Cowboys’ games, contributing to the franchise’s inaugural NFC title.
Norman’s influence — both on and off the field — with the Cowboys was evident when Landry traded him to the Chargers before the commencement of the 1971 season. Landry personally met with Norman (who was employed at the bank) to deliver the information about the trade.
“He entered … we took our seats and engaged in a brief conversation,” Norman recalled. “He conveyed, ‘I’ve been faced with the most challenging decision I’ve ever had to make in football. … I’ve had to involve you in a trade. And let me assure you, this stands as the most difficult trade.'”
Although his tenure with the Cowboys concluded on that day, Norman’s impact within and beyond Dallas continues to be observed to this day. His alma mater, for instance, has named its most distinguished sports award the Pettis Norman Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award in his honor.
