Report: Ex-Dallas Cowboys Defensive Lineman Passes Away at Age 66

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas News, Don Smerek, a former defensive lineman known for his lively personality, passed away from cancer at the age of 66 on March 16.

Smerek, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Nevada, joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1981. Over the course of seven seasons with the team, he participated in 69 games and accumulated 14 ½ sacks.

During his college years, Smerek played as a defensive end for Nevada, where he garnered All-Big Sky honors for his performance in the 1979 season.

Despite being credited for only seven seasons on the stat sheet, Smerek spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Cowboys. He started in four of the 69 games he played. Notably, he missed the 1980 season due to an injury sustained during training camp and transitioned to defensive tackle following that season.