Cowboys Legend, 3x All-Pro Has Tragically Died
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
A three-time All-Pro offensive guard has died at age 82. He passed away Saturday morning in McKinney, a Dallas suburb. His daughter confirmed the news.
John Niland spent nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He made 111 starts in 124 games for the franchise. He later played one season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Massachusetts native starred at the University of Iowa. Dallas selected him fifth overall in the 1966 NFL Draft. He became the first offensive lineman taken in the first round by the Cowboys.
John Niland Anchored Cowboys’ First Championship Line
Niland earned six straight Pro Bowl selections from 1968 to 1973. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 1969, 1971 and 1972. His pulling ability helped power a strong running game.
He protected Roger Staubach during Super Bowl VI. The Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-3 on January 16, 1972. That victory delivered Dallas its first Super Bowl title.
Niland also started in multiple championship games earlier in his career. He contributed to two NFC titles during his time in Dallas. Teammates and coaches valued his consistency and toughness.
He converted from fullback to guard during his college days. That switch shaped a long and productive NFL career. Iowa inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
John Niland Leaves Lasting Legacy in Dallas
John Niland is survived by his wife Shaughn of more than 30 years. He is also survived by daughters Jordan and Haven. The family requested privacy at this time. The league announced the terrible news on Sunday.
“John Niland, a three-time All-Pro guard who helped the Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl championship, has died. He was 82. Niland’s daughter, Haven, said he died Saturday morning in McKinney, a Dallas suburb.”
John Niland, three-time All-Pro guard who helped Cowboys win their first Super Bowl, dead at 82https://t.co/gphOBahN5I pic.twitter.com/A7C4TiLE9p
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 17, 2026
His brain will be donated to the Boston University CTE Center for research. The family asked for photos, videos and stories to be shared by email instead of cards. A celebration of life will be announced later.
Niland ranks among the most decorated offensive linemen in Cowboys history. Only a handful of players at the position earned six or more Pro Bowls with the team. His role on the first Super Bowl champion squad remains a key part of franchise lore.
