Introduction
Tom Landry remains one of the most iconic figures in NFL history—and yet, questions about his life (and death) still surface. Was he the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach who is somehow still alive? What exactly caused his death? How many Super Bowls did he win? Let’s dive deep into the life, legacy, and truth behind the headlines of this Football Hall of Famer.
1. Who Was Tom Landry?
Born September 11, 1924, in Mission, Texas, Thomas Wade Landry’s rise from a small town to NFL legend is nothing short of remarkable. A gifted athlete, he played as a defensive back, halfback, and quarterback during his college years at the University of Texas and later in the NFL—briefly with the AAFC’s New York Yankees, then with the New York Giants, where he recorded 32 career interceptions and a 40.9-yard punting average.
He began his coaching journey as a player-coach in 1954, then a full-time defensive coach with the Giants through 1959. But the world truly knows him as the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, appointed in 1960 when the franchise was founded.
2. “Is Tom Landry Still Alive?” – The Truth Unveiled
No—Tom Landry passed away on February 12, 2000, at the age of 75, after a battle with leukemia.
Diagnosed in May 1999, Landry underwent chemotherapy but succumbed to the disease nine months later. His passing marked the end of an era, not merely because of his on-field triumphs, but for his innovative approach, tactical genius, and integrity.
To honor him, the Cowboys sported a patch of his fedora during the 2000 season, and monuments—including a statue at AT&T Stadium and a cenotaph in the Texas State Cemetery—were dedicated in his memory.
3. Cause of Death: Leukemia—An Unseen Opponent
Tom Landry’s death was caused by leukemia, a cancer affecting blood and bone marrow. He was diagnosed in May 1999 and began treatment shortly thereafter. Despite early interventions and chemotherapy, he passed away less than a year later on February 12, 2000.
During that final year, the Cowboys and NFL community rallied around him in respect and remembrance. His funeral was held at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Sparken Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas.
4. Super Bowls: 5 Appearances, 2 Joyous Crowns
Under Landry’s leadership, the Cowboys reached a total of five Super Bowls, triumphing in two of them: Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. The team also lost in Super Bowls V, X, and XIII.
Super Bowl VI
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Date: January 16, 1972
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Result: Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24–3
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Significance: First Super Bowl win in franchise history; MVP: Roger Staubach Wikipedia
Super Bowl XII
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Date: January 15, 1978
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Result: Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27–10
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Notables: One of the first Supes in a domed stadium, with MVP honors split between defensive stars Harvey Martin and Randy White
Super Bowl Losses
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Super Bowl V, X, XIII: Tough defeats, including a close loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XIII (35–31).
5. Landry’s Legacy: Innovation, Records, and Reverence
Landry’s legacy goes far beyond the Super Bowl. During his 29-season tenure (1960–1988), he transformed the Cowboys into a perennial contender:
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20 consecutive winning seasons (1966–1985)—an NFL record that still stands.
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13 divisional titles, 5 NFC crowns, and 20 playoff wins—ranking among the best in NFL history.
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Finished with an overall record of 270–178–6, making him one of the winningest coaches ever.
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Pioneer of tactics: introduced the “flex defense,” multiple offense sets, situational substitutions, and early adoption of the shotgun formation.
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Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and later honored with numerous legacies: statue, highways, stadiums, and schools named after him.
6. Conclusion
No, Tom Landry is not still alive—he succumbed to leukemia on February 12, 2000, at age 75, leaving behind a transformative legacy as the architect of the Dallas Cowboys.
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Super Bowl record: 5 appearances, 2 victories (VI, XII).
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Innovative tactics: flex defense, multiple offense, shotgun, situational substitutions.
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Record-setting: 20 straight winning seasons, 13 divisional titles, Hall of Fame induction in 1990.
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Honors and memorials: numerous dedications, a lasting inspiration to players, coaches, and fans.
