Former Cowboys offensive guard John Niland, a towering figure on the line for Dallas’ first-ever Super Bowl championship team, passed away Saturday morning in McKinney, Texas. He was 82 years old, and his family announced his passing Sunday, leaving behind a legacy cemented in gridiron history.
A Draft Gem and a Career-Defining Choice
Niland was a hot commodity coming out of Iowa in 1966. The Cowboys picked him fifth overall in the NFL Draft, a testament to his talent and potential. Not just that, the Raiders also drafted him in the 13th round of the AFL draft, showing how many teams wanted him. But Niland chose Dallas, and that decision forged a career that would define an era for the franchise. He didn’t just play for the Cowboys, he *was* a Cowboy for almost his entire career, suiting up for nine of his ten seasons in Dallas. Over those nine years, he started an incredible 111 games out of 124 played, becoming a true ironman on the offensive line.
Six Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl Ring: Niland’s Unforgettable Impact
Talk about making your mark! John Niland wasn’t just a starter, he was an absolute force. He earned six Pro Bowl selections in his career, a staggering achievement that shows consistent dominance at his position. On top of that, he was named All-Pro three times, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite linemen. This guy was a bedrock for those Cowboys teams, playing in legendary games like the 1967 Ice Bowl against the Packers. And when it mattered most, in Super Bowl VI, Niland was the starting left guard, helping to pave the way as the Cowboys claimed their very first championship. After nearly a decade of excellence in Dallas, he played one season with the Eagles before retiring after the 1975 season. His impact was recognized beyond his playing days, too, with his induction into the Hawkeyes’ Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
John Niland is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Shaughn, and his daughters, Jordan and Haven. A true legend of the game has passed on, but the grit, the power, and the championship legacy he carved out for himself and for the Cowboys will live on forever.
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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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