Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Pettis Norman dead at 86

Pettis Norman, a former NFL tight end who spent nearly his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, has died, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He was 86 years old.

Harris said that Norman died “peacefully in his sleep” and was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandson and great-grandchildren. “A strong advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected business executive and civic leader, known widely for his accomplishments both on and off the field,” the family said in a statement. “He leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy on behalf of underserved people, and a deep commitment to his community.”

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Pettis Norman has passed away at the age of 86, confirmed by a statement from his family.

Norman played in Dallas from 1962 to 1970 and was a frontman of the civil rights movement in DFW during that time. In 2010, he was inducted into the Black… pic.twitter.com/kyEvpi85g9

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) July 7, 2025

The Dallas Texans selected Pettis Norman in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL Draft. He never played for the Texans and signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Pettis was with the Cowboys through the 1970 season.

Pettis Norman had success after is football playing career

In nine seasons in Dallas, Norman caught 124 passes for 1,672 yards and 14 touchdowns. He joined the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) in 1970 and caught 59 passes for 820 yards and one touchdown in three seasons.

“Looking back, everyone really respected Pettis,” former Cowboys QB Roger Staubach said, per Pettis’ official website. “He was a really good football player. He got the job done as a receiver and was as good as anyone as a blocker. I got to know him as a human being and really like him as a friend. Pettis is someone who has been a positive force in trying to continue to overcome discrimination. He’s been able to get his message across in a very positive way. I’ve always had respect for the way he handles things. He’s a good man.”

Pettis was also a successful businessman. His bio states that he ventured into real estate, apartments, restaurant franchising and single-family housing. Pettis created five companies under the umbrella of PNI Industries. In 2021, Pettis published his autobiography, The Pettis Norman Story: A Journey through the Cotton Fields, to the Super Bowl, and into Servant Leadership. The book is currently available on Amazon.