Tom Rafferty, a longtime offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl XII champion, died Thursday at the age of 70, multiple outlets confirmed Friday. The former NFL player reportedly suffered a stroke earlier this week but had been hospitalized since early May, per the Dallas Morning News .

The Cowboys issued a statement on Rafferty's death on Friday.

"The Dallas Cowboys mourn the passing of Tom Rafferty, who was a fixture on the Cowboys offensive line for 14 seasons. His work ethic, durability and versatility shined through as he was at the core of a line that brought Dallas a Super Bowl XII championship over the Denver Broncos," the team wrote.

"He was a shining example of being a great, trusted teammate and champion, always approaching the game and his role by doing

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