The Dallas Cowboys family is mourning the loss of a two-time Super Bowl champion. The team announced Tuesday that former center John Fitzgerald has passed away at the age of 77.

Fitzgerald's career is a testament to versatility and resilience. Drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round out of Boston College in 1970, he even saw time on the defensive line as a rookie. He soon found his permanent home on the offensive line, beginning as a backup guard before solidifying the crucial center position, where he started 109 games.

His tenure in Dallas coincided with one of the franchise's most iconic eras. Fitzgerald was a key part of the offensive line that powered the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories. He earned his first ring as a backup in Super Bowl VI following the 1971 season, and his second as the starting center in Super Bowl XII after the 1977 season, helping secure a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Fitzgerald's loyalty to the star was unwavering, spending all 12 of his NFL seasons in Dallas. His career concluded after being placed on injured reserve with a knee issue ahead of the 1981 season, leading to his retirement in early 1982. He leaves behind a legacy of toughness and championship success from the trenches of America's Team.