Tex Schramm, 1920-2003
Hall of Famer Tex Schramm passed away earlier today at the age of 83. A member of the Class of 1991, Schramm was most known for being the mastermind behind the Dallas Cowboys dynasty teams.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of Tex's death," commented Hall of Fame Executive Director John Bankert. "Tex was so instrumental, not only in the success of the Dallas Cowboys, but professional football as a whole. He was truly one of the greatest innovative men this game has ever known. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family."
Texas E. Schramm, Jr., born on June 2, 1920 in San Gabriel California, began his professional football career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1947. He worked with the team through 1956 as the publicity director. He then moved on to serve as assistant director of sports for CBS for three years.
In 1960, Schramm joined the newly-formed Dallas Cowboys. He groomed "America's Team" into one of the greatest dynasties in National Football League history. Dallas put together a string of 20 straight winning seasons from 1966 to 1985.
On the league level, Schramm was a significant force behind the merger of the AFL and the NFL in 1966, and continued to play a major role in the advocating rule changes to the game. He finished his pro career as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the World League of American Football in 1989 and 1990.
Schramm was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 26, 1991 and formally enshrined on July 27th of that year along with Earl Campbell, John Hannah, Stan Jones, and Jan Stenerud.
