Former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle and NFL Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright has died at the age of 76, his family have confirmed.
Georgia-born Wright - who was nicknamed "Big Cat" - enjoyed a glittering 13 seasons with the Cowboys and won two Super Bowls from five finals with the Dallas outfit in 1971 and 1976.
The Fort Valley State college player was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and featured in six Pro Bowls between 1971 and 1976, and he passed away after several days in hospital following a severe seizure.
"Rayfield Wright was the epitome of what it takes to be a Hall of Famer," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. "His grit, his agility, his passion, his charisma and his love for football, the community and his family always shined through.
"The original 'Big Cat' helped shape the future of the Dallas Cowboys through his illustrious 13-year playing career. Rayfield was a champion on and off the field.
"He remained an important part of the Cowboys family long after his playing days ended, and he will be deeply missed. Our love and support go out to his wife, Di, and the entire Wright family."
Hall of Fame President Jim Porter added: "Over the past few weeks, it has become abundantly clear the love that so many Hall of Famers and others around the NFL felt toward Rayfield, his wife, Di, and the extended Wright family.
"His gentle nature away from the game belied his commanding presence on the field. All fans, especially those of the Cowboys, will remember fondly his dominance on the offensive line in the 1970s and how he took protecting Dallas quarterbacks as his personal mission."
"We will guard his legacy in Canton with equal tenacity. The Hall of Fame Flag will fly at half-staff through Rayfield's services next Friday as a tribute to the many lives he touched."
Wright featured a total of 182 times for the Cowboys and briefly trained with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 1980.
Ben Knapton
