Tex Schramm, former General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys, died today (July 15, 2003) at the age of 83.
Hired in 1960 by then owner Clint Murchison, Schramm became one of the most influential men in the history of professional football. Among his many ideas, that seem commonplace to the fan today, are instant replay, wind flags at the top of the goal posts, starting the clock when the ball is placed by the official, as well as widening the sideline borders.
And let's not forget the most important idea to most football dudes...he invented the cheerleader concept, ushering in the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders before any other team even had the notion.
Possibly his biggest contribution to the game of football was his hiring of the late Tom Landry as head coach. After the first 2 dismal seasons, one of which they lost all but one game, many in the organization were calling for Landry's firing. Schramm gave him a 10 year contract instead. The result: Together, these two men amassed an amazing record of 29 consecutive seasons, including winning years in over 20 of them, as well as 11 seasons in a row of double digit wins, and 5 Super Bowl appearances, winning in 71 and 77. Both Landry and Schramm are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
As for personal remembrance, I'll never forget the day back in 1985 when I drove to Dallas to see them play. At the time, I was a HUGE Cowboy fan (Nolan can attest via tales of grief and stress to that fact), and my lifelong dream was to see them play live at Texas Stadium. Finally getting the chance, I ventured to the Cowboys Headquarters a few days before the game to check it out, when who steps in front of me but none other than Tex Schramm himself! Being the Cowboy maniac I was for this team, this was a major event. I think I stuttered out something brilliant like "Hey, YOU'RE TEX SCHRAMM!!". Even more brilliantly, he said "Yes I am!", extended his hand and smiled. We chatted for a little while, and he had the receptionist give me some free Cowboy stuff!
A few days later, at the game (which I arrived at about 3 hours before game time), I was stumbling and bumbling around Texas Stadium just taking in the excitement that I was actually THERE, when I look on the field and there, waving at me and smiling, was Tex Schramm. I remember telling him how I felt it was such a huge honor to meet him. He seemed genuinely touched, gave me a big smile, and shook my hand again before he left.
An honor indeed!
Till next time, take care and, of course...God bless.
Matt
