Susan Meredith, the quarterback's wife, said Meredith died after suffering a brain hemorrhage and slipping into a coma.
"He was the best there was," she told the Associated Press. "We lost a good one."
The Texas native was the first Cowboy, signing a contract in 1959, two months before the team was admitted into the NFL.
Meredith led the Cowboys to NFL title games in 1966 and 1967, losing both contests to the Packers, before abruptly retiring at 31 in 1968. He joined the MNF booth in 1970 and became beloved for his work there before stepping down in 1984.
Dave Goldberg: Don Meredith: An Appreciation
As a player and broadcaster, "Dandy Don" was known for his charisma and sense of humor. He was also a prolific passer, throwing the Cowboys to relevancy, though his failure to secure a championship for Dallas gained him criticism from the team's fans.
"He took too much of the blame, and I think the press blamed him way too much," teammate Lee Roy Jordan said. "I'm disappointed that we -- the coaching staff and all of us other players -- didn't take a more responsible role in taking on some of that negative press."
While Meredith never brought the Cowboys to a championship, he certainly began the process of turning the Cowboys into a championship team. When he retired at 31, citing the lack of desire to compete anymore, he was second in the NFL in passing, handing off a team that would eventually go on to achieve the ultimate glory behind Roger Staubach.
Despite the lack of titles, Meredith -- who played high school, college and pro football all within 100 miles -- will be remembered as a football legend. He was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2009.
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Comments (Page 1 of 4)
R.I.P. Dandy Don. You were always my favorite on MNF.
Turn out the lights, the party is over.
I'm sure "King of the Hill" will do a tribute to him, having been born and raised in Texas.
he knew how to win and how to lose.
"Know ye that a decent man has left the world."
Turn out the lights, the party's over. RIP , Dandy Don.
I never cared for the guy . Rest in Peace
Dandy Don and Howard Cosell. Love 'em or hate 'em, you could not ignore them.
reast in peace my favorite all time Monday night broadcaster. My heros have always been COWBOYS. Peace to his family.
Don was the perfect choice to balance out Howard Cosell. As a quarterback, he was fun to watch and as a broadcaster, he was a joy to listen to on a Monday night.
God speed, Don.
To you three alone shall I always be true: Howard, Giff, and Dandy-Roo.
You were a class act, Don. We need more men like you in the league today. Requiescat in pace.
He didn't hand the ball over to Staubach, Roger and Craig Morton split starting duties for a couple of seasons before Staubauch was named the full time starter.
Remember the Nestea commercials he used to do? Kind of funny but as a little kid I knew him from those commercials before I ever knew he was a famous football player.
he used to cry in breakfast cereal commercials, "I want my Mapo!"
don was the best quarterback the cowboys ever had.
So True!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P Dandy Don ,The best MNF announcer...
Remember, Don coined the phrase " lookout block" which meant the lineman had missed his block and yelled " look out " to Don. Some of the most memorable times on MNFB were when Don and Giff made fune of Howard's lack of knowlege of the game of football. I, too, say "RIP Don". You gave all of us alot of pleasure.
Loved Dandy Don! So sad to hear of his passing. I am not old enough to remember watching him play but, grew up listening him do MNF. He was the best and kept you laughing! RIP and bless you for sharing your love of football. It made me love it too! God speed!
I'm with you there. I don't remember his playing days, but even as a youngster, I enjoyed listening to him in the broadcast booth on MNF.
Don, Rest In Peace. You had it all, charm, sparkling eyes, and good looks. You were one of a kind and will be missed. Say hello to Howard. You two were a strange pair but it really worked didn't it?....I have a tear in my eyes this morning...
Don, Rest In Peace. You had it all, charm, sparkling eyes, and good looks. You were one of a kind and will be missed. Say hello to Howard. You two were a strange pair but it really worked didn't it?....I have a tear in my eyes this morning...
RIP Don. You were my favorite Cowboy, my first football hero and I was proud you were a fellow Texan. You were a huge part of my younger days and I so wanted you to win an NFL championship. But, you were a champ no matter what!!
Jeff and Hazels baby boy and TJ;s little brother.