It’s a somber day in Cowboys Nation. Former Dallas running back and Super Bowl champion Scott Laidlaw has passed away at the age of 72. A key contributor during one of the most successful stretches in franchise history, Laidlaw’s name might not dominate the stat sheets, but his impact on the field-and in the locker room-was undeniable.
Laidlaw played six seasons in the NFL, five of them with the Cowboys during the late 1970s under the iconic Tom Landry. He was part of a Dallas squad that leaned heavily on the run game, and Laidlaw fit that identity perfectly.
Whether lined up at fullback or halfback, he brought a physical, reliable presence to the backfield-someone the coaching staff trusted in critical moments. And while his numbers might not jump off the page, his value went far beyond the box score.
Drafted in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft out of Stanford, Laidlaw was a longshot who carved out a meaningful role. He was part of the Cowboys' legendary “Dirty Dozen” rookie class, a group that helped reshape the franchise. His rookie season was cut short by a knee injury that required surgery, but true to form, he bounced back stronger the next year.
That 1976 season turned out to be the best of his career. Laidlaw appeared in 13 games and started seven, racking up 424 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 94 carries.
He added 38 receptions for 325 yards-proof of his versatility and dependability. He wasn’t just a bruising runner; he had soft hands and could be counted on in the passing game.
As the Cowboys made their playoff push in 1978, Laidlaw’s role expanded. He stepped in as the team’s primary running back during the postseason, helping Dallas reach Super Bowl XIII. Though the Cowboys fell in a hard-fought battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Laidlaw’s contributions during that run solidified his place in team lore.
He played in two Super Bowls during his time in Dallas, but it was Super Bowl XII that etched his name in Cowboys history. That game, a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos, earned Laidlaw a championship ring and a permanent spot in the hearts of Cowboys fans.
In total, Laidlaw appeared in 64 games for Dallas from 1975 to 1979. He rushed for 1,255 yards and nine touchdowns, and caught 74 passes for 668 yards and three more scores. After being released by the Cowboys following the 1979 season, he played one final year with the New York Giants in 1980 before retiring.
Even decades after his playing days ended, Laidlaw remained part of the Cowboys family. Just this past December, the team honored him and the rest of that 1975 rookie class during a home game.
It was a fitting tribute to a group that helped lay the foundation for one of the most successful eras in franchise history. The Cowboys even named Laidlaw the best 14th-round draft pick in team history-a nod to how much he meant to the organization.
Laidlaw’s story is one of perseverance, toughness, and selflessness. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was the kind of guy every great team needs: dependable, team-first, and always ready when his number was called. His legacy lives on through the teams he helped shape and the memories he created on football’s biggest stage.
Rest in peace, Scott Laidlaw. A Cowboy forever.