Rayfield Wright
The iron gate at right tackle who shielded Staubach and silenced the league’s fiercest rushers.
Rayfield Wright wasn't just a lineman; he was the bedrock of the Dallas Cowboys' 1970s dynasty. Drafted in 1967, he anchored the offensive line that transformed the franchise from a laughingstock into a Super Bowl juggernaut. Shielding Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach and paving the way for a dominant running game, Wright defined an era of NFL dominance. He earned six Pro Bowl selections (1970–1975) and five First-Team All-Pro honors (1970–1974), cementing his status as one of the greatest right tackles in history. His consistency turned protection into an art form, making him indispensable to Dallas lore.
- Role
- Right Tackle
- Team Affiliation
- Dallas Cowboys
- Career Span
- 1967–1979
- Super Bowl Championships
- 2 (VI, XII)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 6
- First-Team All-Pro
- 5 times
Lore & Background
Before Rayfield Wright arrived from Georgia Southern, the Dallas Cowboys offensive line was often criticized for its fragility. Standing 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he changed that narrative overnight. Wright possessed a rare combination of size, agility, and intelligence that allowed him to neutralize some of the league's most ferocious pass rushers. He was known for his signature 'rip' technique and the ability to pull on running plays, versatility uncommon for tackles of his stature in that era.
His leadership extended beyond physical play; he was the glue holding together a dominant offensive line unit alongside future Hall of Famers like Ralph Neely and Larry Allen (later additions), while playing in the same legendary defense as Bob Lilly. Wright's presence allowed Roger Staubach to operate with confidence, knowing the pocket edge was secure against breakaway speed rushes. Opposing defensive coordinators often devised specific schemes just to slow him down, yet he remained a constant force for thirteen seasons.
Wright's legacy is cemented in franchise history as one of only a handful of players selected to the Pro Bowl six times while missing no playoff games during his prime. He played through the full 1979 regular season before retiring, leaving behind a standard of excellence few offensive linemen have matched.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights hummed over Texas Stadium, casting long shadows across the artificial turf. It was January 1972, and the air inside was thick with tension. On the sideline, Rayfield Wright adjusted his helmet, the white plastic gleaming under the glare. He looked across the field at the Miami Dolphins' defensive line, a group of giants known for their speed and ferocity. There was no fear in his eyes, only cold, calculated focus. As the referee dropped the ball to start the play, Wright took a low stance, his massive hands ready to engage. The snap came. A blur of motion erupted as the Dolphins' rushers charged. Wright met them with a thunderous collision that echoed through the stadium. He didn't just hold his ground; he pushed the pocket back, ensuring Staubach had all day to find the end zone. It was a microcosm of Super Bowl VI: dominance on both sides of the ball, with Wright at the center of it all.
Reader's Guide
Rayfield Wright's era at the Dallas Cowboys spanned from his draft in 1967 through his retirement in 1979, a period that coincided with the franchise's rise to global prominence. Playing right tackle, he was the cornerstone of an offensive line that protected Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach and fueled a potent running attack featuring Earl Campbell and Tony Dorsett.
His playing style was defined by technical mastery and physical dominance. Wright was renowned for his ability to handle both elite pass rushers in the pocket and agile linebackers on pulling plays. He utilized a unique blend of strength and footwork, often using a 'rip' move to disengage from defenders, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Wright's greatest achievements include leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII) and earning five Pro Bowl selections alongside four First-Team All-Pro honors. He was also named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, solidifying his status as one of the best at his position in history.
His legacy is that of a silent but imposing force who never sought the spotlight yet was essential to every success the team enjoyed during his tenure. Wright set the standard for offensive linemen in Dallas, proving that the trenches are where championships are won. He remains a revered figure in Cowboys history, remembered as the man who held the line when it mattered most.
Did You Know?
- Rayfield Wright was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1967 NFL Draft out of Georgia Southern University.
- He is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 1993) and the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Wright started every single game for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 through 1978, displaying remarkable durability before completing his career in 1979.
- He was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, a testament to his dominance throughout that entire era.