Cowboy Legend Walt Garrison Passes Away at 79: Remembering the Legacy

Dallas Cowboys Community Mourns the Loss of Cowboy Legend Walt Garrison at 79

An NFL player today couldn’t possibly engage in the same extracurricular activities that Walt Garrison did during his tenure as a star fullback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1966 to 1974. Garrison, who passed away at the age of 79, not only had an impressive football career but also found success and fulfillment in his passion for rodeo.

Garrison’s Unique Dual Career

From a young age, Garrison’s love for rodeo was undeniable. He hailed from Denton, Texas, and excelled in steer wrestling, known as “bulldogging” in rodeo terminology. In fact, he was almost as good at rodeo as he was at football and enjoyed it even more.

Garrison’s time with the Cowboys saw him play 119 regular-season and 13 playoff games over nine seasons. He currently ranks fourth on the club’s all-time list for average yards per rush and ninth in career rushing yards. However, it was his participation in rodeo during the offseasons that made him truly unique.

The Cowboys’ Reservation with Garrison’s Extracurriculars

While the Cowboys couldn’t prevent Garrison from attending rodeos during the offseasons, there were some concerns about the potential risks involved. Coach Landry pointed out that Garrison’s contract could be null and void if he got injured participating in another sport. Despite this clause, Garrison continued to engage in rodeo activities, confident that the sport was not as dangerous as perceived.

However, it wasn’t until his rookie year in 1966 that the Cowboys intervened. Garrison would participate in a nearby rodeo the night before home games, believing it was not an issue since he had a minor role on the team. But after Coach Landry received word of Garrison’s rodeo endeavors, he put a stop to it, knowing the potential risks involved.

Ironically, despite the Cowboys’ concerns, it was a knee injury sustained during a steer wrestling match in 1975 that ultimately ended Garrison’s football career. Yet, rather than harboring bitterness or regret, Garrison saw it as a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him to retire without having to face the inevitable decline in performance associated with aging players.

A Philosophy of Embracing Opportunities

Garrison’s positive outlook on life and acceptance of the twists of fate shine through in his post-football endeavors. He started a new career working for US Smokeless Tobacco and credited NFL Films for helping him land his first job with the company. He even became a spokesperson for US Tobacco after they saw a film that NFL Films made about him, which showcased his love for rodeo and his habit of dipping snuff.

Garrison’s ability to embrace unexpected opportunities and make the most of them reveals a philosophical perspective on life. Despite being more passionate about rodeo than football, he recognized the financial limitations of the rodeo industry and chose football as his primary career path. However, his love for rodeo remained unwavering, and he continued to participate in the sport even after retiring from the NFL.

The Similarities Between Rodeo and Football

Garrison saw parallels between rodeo and football, highlighting the similarities in the energy, focus, and quick decision-making required in both sports. While a football game may last longer, the individual plays often only require a few seconds of intense physical exertion and mental concentration, much like a bulldogging event in rodeo.

Garrison’s prowess as a steer wrestler was highly regarded in rodeo circles, where he was seen as more than just an NFL star trying his hand at rodeo. His skills and competitive spirit made him a formidable contender, even against the best bulldoggers in the sport.

A Legacy Remembered

Despite achieving more success on the football field, Garrison’s rodeo career held a special place in his heart. He spoke fondly of his outstanding performance at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo in 1973, where he placed in the bulldogging rounds and won fifth place in the average. Garrison cherished this achievement, considering it a highlight of his rodeo career.

Ultimately, Garrison’s legacy is one of embracing passion and seizing opportunities. His ability to excel in two seemingly disparate worlds—football and rodeo—showed his determination and versatility. While he may be remembered for his accomplishments on the gridiron, his love for rodeo and his positive outlook on life serve as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions and embracing the unexpected turns that life may bring.

Garrison’s indomitable spirit lives on in the hearts of the Dallas Cowboys community and all those inspired by his unique journey as a professional football player and rodeo cowboy.