Michael Burgess: “the State of Texas lost a hero last week. Tex Schramm, the former Dallas Cowboys president and general manager, died at…”

“the State of Texas lost a hero last week. Tex Schramm, the former Dallas Cowboys president and general manager, died at the age of 83. Mr. Schramm's passion focused on the Dallas Cowboys, but he was always looking out for the entire NFL. He had ideas ranging from using the phrase ``America's team'' to letting officials correct calls through instant replay. In 1991 he became the first team executive elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His partnership with Coach Tom Landry produced 20 straight winning seasons, from 1966 to 1985, 18 playoff appearances, 13 division titles, five Super Bowl appearances, and two championships. Tex Schramm was a significant force in the AFL-NFL merger in 1966; and he was the original chairman of the league's competition committee, a position he held from 1966 to 1988. Instant replays and sideline radios in quarterback helmets were his ideas, but he also promoted the six-division, wild card playoff concept and will be forever remembered for introducing America to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. To the man who left a hole in the Texas stadium roof so God could watch his team, Tex, I know you are watching too.”