Cowboys Legend John Niland — The Wall Who Guarded Staubach — Dead at 82

DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys just lost a true pioneer. John Niland, the bruising guard who helped anchor the offensive line for Dallas' first Super Bowl championship, passed away Saturday morning in McKinney, Texas, a Dallas suburb. He was 82.

His daughter, Haven, confirmed the news.

A wall of granite in Big D

Niland wasn't just a starter — he was one of the best to ever do it for America's Team. Across nine seasons in Dallas, he made 111 starts in 124 games. From 1968 through 1973, he was a Pro Bowler six straight years and earned first-team All-Pro honors three times: 1969, 1971, and 1972.

When the Cowboys finally shook the "next year's champions" label and dismantled the Miami Dolphins 24-3 on Jan. 16, 1972, Niland was in the trenches protecting Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach. That was the franchise's first Super Bowl championship — and Niland was a huge reason it happened.

From Iowa to immortality

A Massachusetts native, Niland starred at Iowa before the Cowboys made him the fifth overall pick in the 1966 NFL Draft. In 2006, the Hawkeyes inducted him into their Athletics Hall of Fame.

After nine rugged seasons in Dallas, Niland spent one final campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring following the 1975 season.

He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Shaughn, and daughters Jordan and Haven.

Rest easy, big man. You helped build the star.