Dandy Don Meredith Dies at 72

By Gabriela Moore
Dec 6 2010

The very first Dallas Cowboy player in the history of the franchise, Don Meredith, died last night in Santa Fe, NM, at the age of 72.

In 1959 the Dallas Cowboys were but a dream and they were looking for some talent. Don Meredith was part of that talent and he earned the distinction of being the first ever Dallas Cowboy. Dandy Don would become the most well-known Cowboy to ever take the field for the Texas team.

Meredith became well-known for his fashion choices as well. He started donning a fur coat on the sidelines and during press conferences. This earned him the nickname “Dandy Don” which would stick with him for the rest of his days.

Meredith started out as just a quarterback but became a massive force in the market. He signed millions in licensing and promotional deals, something that was virtually unheard of in the 1960’s.

Meredith retired from professional football after just 8 years with the league. This was strange considering he was only 31 years old. However, he would return 2 years later to the broadcasting booth in 1970 as the on air talent for Monday Night Football. He would hold that position until 1984 when he virtually disappeared from the public eye.

Meredith struggled with emphysema and suffered a stroke in 2004. There has been no official word on cause of death for Meredith at this point. However his family attorney released a statement saying that his family, including his wife of 38 years, was at his side when he passed.