Don Smerek a former defensive lineman for the Cowboys, passes away from cancer.

Several sources state that Don Smerek, a former defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away at the age of 66 from cancer.

Smerek, who went undrafted the year before and played for the Nevada Wolf Pack in college, passed away last week. He later signed with the Cowboys in 1981.

He played 69 games in seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Cowboys legend Randy White told The Dallas Morning News, “He was a great teammate, a great person.”

As a football player, he was just reliable, and I can always rely on him. When it came to becoming a football player, Don was unwavering. He would rush the passer on third downs.
Since the two had gone fishing together frequently in the past, Smerek and White were also close off the gridiron.

“A fantastic football teammate, and off the field, we became incredibly close friends.” White reminisced, “He used to be my fishing partner and we used to go fishing and all the stuff that goes along with that.”

Raised in Henderson, Nevada, Smerek remained a Texas resident long after his NFL retirement.

Smerek’s sister Debbie Nye said of her brother’s captivating nature.

According to Nye, who spoke to The Dallas Morning News, “his teammates are lifelong friends, even going back to high school, college, and the NFL.”

“Those people are still there; they were essentially by his side.” He had a fascinating personality and was a larger-than-life character.

A private memorial event honoring Smerek’s life is scheduled to occur in Henderson, Nevada later this month. Along with his sister, three brothers, wife Tandi, and several nieces and nephews, he is survived by them all.