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Cowboys Mourn Loss of Veteran TE at 86, Dak Prescott Sends Condolences

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The Dallas Cowboys and NFL community are saddened by the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman, who died peacefully at age 86. Norman played 12 seasons in the NFL—nine with the Cowboys—recording 124 catches, 14 touchdowns, and 1,672 yards, before finishing his career in San Diego.

Off the field, Norman was a pioneer in social justice and community leadership. He played a key role in pushing the Cowboys to end racially based hotel-room assignments during the 1960s and later founded the Dallas Together Forum, advocating for minority hiring and equal contracting opportunities in Dallas.

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In a touching tribute, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott offered his condolences, acknowledging Norman's dual legacy as both an athlete and advocate. The organization echoed this in a statement: “We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil-rights advocate Pettis Norman. Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently.”

Fans and former teammates have been pouring in tributes. One commenter reflected, “RIP Pettis Norman! You’ll be remembered by Cowboys Nation!” Another added, “We are gonna miss you,” capturing widespread sentiment.

Pettis Norman Ring (@PettisThe) / X

Norman's influence extended far beyond his on-field performance. After football, he built a successful career in business and became the first Black official at a Dallas bank. He also marched in civil rights protests in the '60s and helped shape corporate hiring practices in Dallas in the '90s.

His legacy as a leader both on the field and in the movement for equality—and the respect he earned from teammates and the community—cements Norman’s place in Cowboys history.

Rest in power, Pettis Norman. Your voice and vision will continue to inspire Cowboys Nation.

He Could’ve Been Any of Us’: A.J. Brown Quietly Sends $250,000 to Kyren Lacy’s Mother — Fans Call It the Most Beautiful Act of Humanity the NFL Has Seen This Year.
When Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown learned about the story of Kyren Lacy, a young man wrongfully convicted in Louisiana, he didn’t post a long statement. He didn’t call a press conference. He simply acted — quietly wiring $250,000 to Kyren’s mother, with a short note that read: “For your strength. For your son. For justice.” The gesture, initially meant to remain private, came to light when a family friend shared it online. Within hours, #JusticeForKyrenLacy exploded across the internet again — this time not with anger, but with compassion. “He could’ve been any of us,” Brown said later, his voice trembling during a post-practice interview. “When I saw her face, I saw my own mother.” In a league often dominated by contracts, controversies, and highlight reels, Brown’s act of humanity struck a chord that words rarely reach. Reporters described the Eagles’ locker room as “eerily quiet” that afternoon. Jalen Hurts was seen placing a hand on Brown’s shoulder before practice, whispering something that made him smile faintly through tears. Kyren’s mother, speaking through tears, said the money was never the point. “It’s the kindness,” she told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “For months, we felt forgotten. And then an angel came wearing green.” Across the country, fans and athletes began donating to the Lacy Family Justice Fund, which has since surpassed $1.4 million. The movement, once fueled by outrage, now thrives on empathy and unity. “This isn’t about guilt or fame,” one fan wrote. “It’s about seeing a mother’s pain and deciding to do something.” Brown, known for his humility, refused interviews afterward. Instead, he posted a single message on X: “Justice isn’t a trend. It’s a promise.” That post has now been shared over three million times, and NFL players from rival teams — including Dak Prescott, Chris Jones, and Lamar Jackson — have pledged to contribute to the fund. As candlelight vigils glow in Philadelphia and Baton Rouge, A.J. Brown’s simple act of kindness has become something greater — a symbol of what the NFL can be when its players lead with heart. In a season filled with noise, one quiet gesture reminded America what truly matters: compassion, courage, and the belief that no one should ever face injustice alone.