The NFL world bids farewell to Dwight Douglas “DD” Lewis, historic linebacker of the Dallas Cowboys, who has passed away at 79. Remembered as part of the feared “Doomsday Defense”, Lewis was a key figure in the franchise’s golden era, playing in five Super Bowls during the 1970s and lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy twice.

A pillar of the Doomsday Defense

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, DD Lewis joined the Cowboys in 1968 after being selected in the sixth round of the Draft out of Mississippi State, where he had excelled as an All-American. After serving a year in the military, he returned to the team in 1970 and, starting in 1973, established himself as an undisputed starter in the defense led by the legendary Tom Landry.

Between 1973 and 1981, Lewis started 132 of 134 possible games, showing exemplary consistency: in 13 years wearing the star, he missed just four regular-season contests. His reliability and discipline made him one of the most respected linebackers of his generation.

He shared defensive leadership with figures like Lee Roy Jordan, forming a formidable duo until both retired. Jordan passed away in August 2024, making the departure of his longtime teammate even more symbolic.

Super Bowls and an eternal legacy

DD Lewis played a total of 27 postseason games with the Cowboys, a figure that once stood as an NFL record. That mark was later surpassed by icons like Jerry Rice and Tom Brady, but it underscores Lewis’ importance to the Cowboys’ success in the 70s.

With him as a cornerstone, Dallas captured Super Bowls VI and XII, the first two championships of a franchise that now boasts five titles. He also left behind one of the most iconic quotes in team history: “Texas Stadium has a hole in the roof so God can watch his favorite team play.”

After retiring in 1981, Tom Landry described him as “the most underrated player in Cowboys history,” a recognition that reflects his quiet yet decisive impact. In 2001, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, sealing a legacy that transcends statistics.

Today, the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys say goodbye to one of their great defensive legends, whose name will forever be tied to the mystique of the “Doomsday Defense” and the history of the Super Bowl.