Countdown to the season opener: Day 97 Tom Rafferty

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 97) with some Cowboys history

We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we asked some of our writers to rank their top-100 players in Cowboys history using no particular criteria, and put the results together into one list. The further away you get from the top 20 or so, the more varied the opinions. Sometimes it is about more than just stats. Things like fame level, length of career in Dallas, the era they played in – all can affect where an individual might rank them. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 97.

Tom Rafferty

Born: August 2, 1954. Syracuse, New York
Position: Center
Dallas Cowboys: 1976-1989
Awards: Super Bowl champion – XII

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Tom Rafferty was a key member and one of the best inside offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys from 1976 to 1989. Drafted in the fourth round out of Penn State, he became a versatile and dependable lineman, starting at both guard and center over his 14-year career, exclusively with Dallas. Rafferty was part of several dominant Cowboys teams, including the squad that won Super Bowl XII. Known for his intelligence and technique, he anchored the offensive line during the transition from the Staubach era all the way up to the Aikman era, earning respect as a quiet leader in the locker room. He’s the only offensive player that played with both Hall of Fame quarterbacks for the Cowboys.

Best known for:
Rafferty was best known for his durability and consistency, starting 167 consecutive games (which for an offensive lineman is rare) and helping lead the way for legendary Cowboys running back, Tony Dorsett. He was an instrumental part that set a huge block for Dorsett when he ran his legendary 99-yard touchdown.

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Lesser known fact:
Despite being known primarily as a center and guard for Dallas, Rafferty actually began his Cowboys career as a backup offensive lineman and even played long snapper for Dallas during his early seasons, demonstrating rare versatility for an offensive lineman.