Gil Brandt, the former Dallas Cowboys personnel executive who towers as an innovator in the NFL, has died at the age of 91, per his former team.
From 1960 to 1988, the Pro Football Hall of Famer worked as the vice president of player personnel in Dallas and helped bring in talents like Roger Staubach, Randy White, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Cliff Harris, Chad Hennings and Everson Walls, among others.
With legendary coach Tom Landry and general manager Tex Schramm, Brandt helped build the ferocious 1970s Cowboys team that won two Super Bowls in 1972 and 1978.
Brandt is also credited for his innovative NFL scouting systems that revolutionized the ways that teams analyzed potential draft picks, which included helping craft the annual NFL Combine.
In his tribute, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared how much Brandt meant to the franchise and the NFL as a whole.
“We are so deeply saddened by the passing of Gil Brandt – a true icon and pioneer of our sport,” Jones said. “Gil was at the very core of the early success of the Dallas Cowboys and continued to serve as a great ambassador for the organization for decades beyond that. His contributions cemented his spot in the Ring of Honor. He was my friend and a mentor not only to me, but to countless executives, coaches, players and broadcasters across the National Football League, which rightfully earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will be celebrated forever.
“He was an innovator and set the standard for excellence in player acquisition. From the creation of the NFL Combine to revolutionizing the NFL Draft, Gil finished his over six-decade NFL career with an eye towards the future of the league and teaching fans about the sport he loved as a radio broadcaster. Gil was as good a storyteller as it gets, with a memory as sharp as a tack. His dedication to, and passion for, this game left a lasting impact on generations of Hall of Fame players and coaches. There are very few people that have been able to have the kind of generational impact that he did. Gil was as dedicated to growing this league and sport as anyone ever was, and we are all grateful and better for it.”
Other tributes from around the NFL world poured in at news of Brandt’s passing, highlighting all that he meant to the game and beyond.
The NFL world paid tribute to Brandt's legacy.
Just saw the news about the passing of Hall of Fame exec Gil Brandt. Gil helped me so much along my NFL/journalistic journey. He was an encyclopedia of insight and knowledge. He also cared deeply about HBCU football, its history and its players. Condolences to Gil’s family 🙏🏾
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) August 31, 2023
Rest in Peace Gil Brandt.
Thank you for your years of service on the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, your wealth of knowledge and your unwavering support of HBCUs. #RIPGil pic.twitter.com/IUaYuOsJ69
— BlackCollegeFootball (@BCFHOF) August 31, 2023
Gil's was an extraordinary football life, full of innovation and impact. He had an amazing memory for the history of the game, and never failed to be generous with his time and insights. Condolences to Sara and his entire family. I'll miss you, Gil. https://t.co/E8h3NfJyWP
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) August 31, 2023
Sad to hear about the passing of Gil Brandt. RIP to my 2019 Hall of Fame classmate. Will never forget having dinner with Gil the night I was drafted into the NFL. Going to miss him and sending my love and condolences to the Brandt family. https://t.co/SP76O6zwVF
— Tony Gonzalez (@TonyGonzalez88) August 31, 2023
.@dallascowboys 41 years ago Gil Brandt signed me as FA with the Cowboys. He said be prepared when opportunity knocks. It knocked and my life changed forever. He gave the same opportunity to 1,000’s of others. We are all both grateful and saddened today. RIP Gil pic.twitter.com/iqnJHnnryG
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 31, 2023
Very sad to hear of the passing of @Gil_Brandt
From the time I got to Dallas, Gil was good to me and sometimes he’d have had more questions for me about OL than I had for him, which was A LOT
I’d get these random phone calls:
“Duke, Gil Brandt, what do you think of the long… pic.twitter.com/3RzTdZPlqM
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) August 31, 2023
"I am grateful to have known him, and for all his football advice and wisdom."
Coach Harbaugh on the passing of Gil Brandt. pic.twitter.com/mv1sGvh0NH
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 31, 2023
#Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks about his relationship with Gil Brandt, who passed away today ❤️🕊️
(🎥: @SiriusXMNFL) pic.twitter.com/MC4ffWxQDc
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 31, 2023
Saddened to hear the passing of Gil Brandt.
One of the true pioneers of the NFL, a founding father in the scouting and player personnel world. RIP Gil.(and no, we are not related).
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 31, 2023
Just received word Gil Brandt has passed away. My long-time @SiriusXMNFL radio partner who made such an impact in my life personally & professionally. And of course, someone whose @ProFootballHOF resume speaks for itself. RIP my friend. (Photo of us with Luke Kuechly) pic.twitter.com/KvzWAM3y97
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) August 31, 2023
Mickey Loomis on the passing of Gil Brandt pic.twitter.com/kOHknn3cYj
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 31, 2023
Prayers up for all of Gil Brandt’s family and loved ones 🙏🏾 https://t.co/rreQXDy0xi
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 31, 2023
RIP to Gil Brandt, a true #NFL innovator who had a massive impact on how drafts are conducted and, obviously, a huge hand in building the #DallasCowboys dynasty in the 1970s. Also, a very nice man who always had time for those of us not in the Hall of Fame. Rest easy.
— Nate Davis (@ByNateDavis) August 31, 2023
Will miss you greatly…Gil Brandt changed football forever & I was lucky enough to get to spend so much time with him…I’ll forever cherish those memories…All of our love to his family- pic.twitter.com/WtIfkagmPe
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) August 31, 2023
Gil Brandt trained and developed many scouts, advanced the scouting profession, and was instrumental in many careers. He left his mark on the game and was a great friend and mentor. My condolences to his wife, Sara and the Brandt family. RIP GIL…
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) August 31, 2023
Sad day because of the passing of Gil Brandt. Condolences to his family. He was always gracious to me and the media at-large over the years. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/IVYbm00o44
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 31, 2023
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer calls Gil Brandt a “brilliant man” who changed the scouting process by looking more for developmental players, incl. basketball guys. pic.twitter.com/Y0ZuMTm11P
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 31, 2023
Sad to learn about the passing of Gil Brandt. You cannot tell the story of modern day scouting without Gil, who found Cowboys’ legends like Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Hayes, & Ed “Too Tall” Jones in Mobile. Thoughts & prayers go out to Gil’s family and @dallascowboys organization. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rWcftdUvdn
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 31, 2023
Gil Brandt has left us at age 91. Some years back, I have no idea why I felt like I needed to sneak this picture. But, I knew that I’d never see more football experience in one picture, with only 2 people in the frame. Gil and Tom Moore pic.twitter.com/Of2GAktesP
— FOST (@GeorgeFoster72) August 31, 2023
We’re deeply saddened to have learned of Gil Brandt’s passing. He was a dear friend and meant so much to not only me, but to so many involved with football. Our condolences go out to his family and all that cared about him. We miss you already. 💙🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/F1CFk00ZZ2
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) August 31, 2023
Gil Brandt was using analytics in the 60's. True innovator. RIP🙏 https://t.co/mAWIzDTmvH
— Lou Montagna (@LouMontagna) August 31, 2023
Just saw the news on Gil Brandt. I hope he rests in peace.
We should all be so lucky to be around the game for 68 long years. That's a Football life well lived.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 31, 2023
Sad NFL and Dallas Cowboys news today re: the passing of Gil Brandt. RIP Legend. We were very fortunate to have you in Pony Excess pic.twitter.com/SVLBJPhEe9
— Thaddeus D. Matula (@thadfilms) August 31, 2023
Cowboys great Everson Walls on Gil Brandt pic.twitter.com/b4b2yv4Byp
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 31, 2023
Rest in peace, Gil Brandt. 🙏 🏈
If you want to know how the #DallasCowboys became America's Team, Gil, along with Tom Landry and Tex Schramm are the three main reasons for their success. Gil led a scouting revolution that is still being felt today. #NFL #Legend #Godfather pic.twitter.com/TrHv65Ca6S
— Ken Gelman (@kengfunk) August 31, 2023
Gil Brandt was one of a kind and it was a thrill to know him. Just a titan of the industry and literally new everyone in pro football. EVERYONE. He also kept doing radio for Sirius until nearly the very end and never stopped knowing the league. Again, one of one. RIP, Gil. https://t.co/OofSaVrLzm
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) August 31, 2023
The football world lost a great man today, Gil Brandt RIP sir. 🙏❤️😪 pic.twitter.com/mdc8MHxiU1
— tony casillas (@tccasillas) August 31, 2023
RIP Gil Brandt, Milwaukee native & University of Wisconsin alum who revolutionized NFL scouting by using computers to evaluate talent and was the architect of the Cowboys’ long run of success in ‘60s, “70s, ‘80s. Wonderful man who would make time for any reporter who called him. https://t.co/8lBw1CsPhr
— Tom Oates (@TomOatesWSJ) August 31, 2023
