Dallas Cowboys Great, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Walt Garrison Dies at 79
America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, mourns the loss of one of their legends, Walt Garrison, who passed away at the age of 79. Garrison was known not only for his successful career in football, but also for his love of rodeo and his accomplishments as a professional steer wrestler.
A Multi-Faceted Cowboy
Walt Garrison’s life was a testament to the various ways in which one can embody the spirit of the cowboy. He began his athletic journey at Oklahoma State University, where he participated in both football and rodeo. Garrison excelled as a fullback for the OSU Cowboys, leading the Big Eight in rushing yards in 1965 and earning a spot on the 1964 All-Academic Team. Despite his success on the gridiron, Garrison’s true passion was rodeo, and he even spent a year with the school’s rodeo team.
After college, Garrison’s talents led him to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 1966 NFL Draft. He went on to play as a fullback for the Cowboys for nine seasons, appearing in 119 regular season games and 13 postseason contests. Garrison’s contributions to the team are still recognized, as he ranks fourth on the club’s all-time list for average yards per rush and ninth in career rushing yards.
A Life of Passion and Achievement
While football brought Garrison fame and success, he always maintained that his true love was rodeo. In an interview with the Dallas Cowboys, Garrison expressed his deep affection for the sport, stating that if he could have made more money from rodeo, he would have pursued it full-time.
Garrison’s accomplishments as a professional steer wrestler cannot be understated. In 1974, he achieved a significant milestone by winning money and placing in multiple events at the renowned Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. This achievement marked a high point in his rodeo career and solidified his status as a prominent figure in the world of professional rodeo.
A Lasting Legacy
After retiring from his careers in football and rodeo, Garrison’s impact on the sports world continued to be recognized. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and was named to the Dallas Cowboys’ 25th anniversary team. Additionally, in 1993, he received the honor of being inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the Oklahoma State Athletics Hall of Honor in 2000.
Walt Garrison’s unbreakable legacy will forever be remembered by the fans of the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the rodeo community. His achievements as both a professional football player and rodeo cowboy serve as a reminder of the diverse paths one can take in life, and how commitment and passion can lead to success in any endeavor.
In Memoriam
The news of Walt Garrison’s passing brings a wave of sadness to the sports world, particularly to those who closely followed his career and admired his accomplishments. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly shared, but it is certain that Garrison’s farewell will be a solemn occasion, filled with heartfelt tributes to a man who left an indelible mark on the sports he loved.
As fans, let us take a moment to reflect on the impact that Walt Garrison had on both the Dallas Cowboys and the rodeo community. His memory and the inspiration he embodied will continue to live on, serving as a reminder to pursue our passions with unwavering dedication and to always remain true to ourselves.
<< photo by Ali Hajian >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
