Pettis Norman, a 12 -year -old NFL veteran who spent the majority of his career with Dallas Cowboys, died at the age of 86.
Norman spent nine years with the Cowboys and was part of the first team of the franchise to reach a Super Bowl – a defeat of the Super Bowl V against the Baltimore colts. Norman, who has played his last three seasons with the Charters of San Diego, served in the National Guard of the Texas Army during his first seven seasons of the NFL.
Norman was renowned for his work as a defender of civil rights. In the 1990s, he founded the Dallas Together Forum, an initiative that worked with the CEOs of Dallas to improve hiring and the award of contracts to women and businesses belonging to minorities by Dallas companies.
“We mourn the adoption of the former tight defender and civil rights Pettis Norman,” Cowboys said on Monday. “Known for his disinterested leadership, his commitment to the community and his dedication to create equal chances, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable history recently.”
Norman’s work as a defender of civil rights began at university when he was one of the lunch counterparts in order to help promote integration. On the field, Norman’s success at Johnson C. Smith university in Charlotte was noticed by the Scout Cowboys Gil Brandt, who was going to be inducted at the renowned professional football temple. Norman was drafted during the 16th round of the 1962 AFL draft by Dallas Texans, but Brandt was able to sign Norman to Cowboys as an un residged free agent.
In Dallas, Norman helped convince the coach of the Cowboys Tom Landry renowned temple to no longer assign hotel rooms according to the race. Outside the field, Norman became the first black manager of a Dallas bank.
“Pettis has encouraged all players to open bank accounts,” said the former Ballon Calvin Hill. “He encouraged us to establish credits. He encouraged us to involve us in the community.”
Norman also appreciated successful careers in the commercial and broadcast worlds.
“I tried to do everything I could do to change the kind of things in which the company had operated for so long,” said Norman.
As a player, Norman made an average of 13.6 yards per catch during his career in the NFL. In 1970, he started in each Cowboys games while helping the franchise to win his first NFC title.
Norman’s impact – both on and out of the field – with the cowboys was obvious when Landry exchanged him at the expense before the start of the 1971 season. Landry personally visited Norman (who worked at the bank) to inform him of the news.
“He entered … We sat down and we just chatted for about a few seconds,” recalls Norman. “He said,” I had to do the most difficult thing I have ever had in football. … I had to get involved in a profession. And let me tell you, it’s the most difficult trade. “”
While his time with the cowboys ended that day, Norman’s impact inside and outside Dallas continues to be felt to date. Her Alma Mater, for example, appointed her most prestigious sporty prize for the prize for the athlete and female of the year of male and female norman and female in her honor.
