Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive Lineman Dies At 66 due to cancer

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Don Smerek passed away at the age of 66 after battling cancer, as reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas News.

A vibrant personality, Smerek joined the Cowboys in 1981 as an undrafted free agent from Nevada. Throughout his career, he played 69 games and recorded 14 ½ sacks over seven seasons with the team.

Originally signed by the Cowboys in 1980, Smerek played college football as a defensive end at Nevada, earning All-Big Sky honors in the 1979 season.

Despite missing the 1980 season due to an injury sustained in training camp, Smerek spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Cowboys. He transitioned to defensive tackle following the 1980 season and started in four of the games he played.