Scott Laidlaw, a former running back and Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 72. His family confirmed his death, though no cause was disclosed.
The Stanford standout was selected by Dallas in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft with the 356th pick. He became one of 12 rookies to make the team that season—a group famously known as the “Dirty Dozen.” That notable class featured Hall of Famer Randy White, as well as Pat Donovan, Bob Breunig, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, and Herbert Scott.
Laidlaw spent five seasons with the Cowboys from 1975 through 1979, helping the team reach the playoffs in three of those years. He contributed to head coach Tom Landry’s ball-control offense as both a runner and a pass catcher.
His first season in 1975 was shortened when a knee injury required surgery, limiting him to eight games. Still, he aided the Cowboys in reaching Super Bowl X, where they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-17.
In 1977, Laidlaw earned a Super Bowl title when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27-10 in Super Bowl XII in 1978. The win capped off a dominant season and reinforced Dallas’ reputation as one of the premier teams of the era.
The Cowboys made it back to the Super Bowl the following year but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-31, marking Laidlaw’s third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.
During his playoff career, Laidlaw recorded two rushing touchdowns—one in the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams and another in the NFC Divisional Round versus the Atlanta Falcons—showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
After Dallas released him following the 1979 season, Laidlaw signed with the New York Giants in 1980. He played seven games before retiring, concluding a six-year NFL career.
Across his career, Laidlaw logged 255 rushing attempts for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. As a receiver out of the backfield, he added 74 catches for 668 yards and three scores. Though not a statistical star, his dependability and versatility made him an important component of the Cowboys’ offense during their championship runs.
During his tenure in Dallas, Laidlaw dealt with persistent hamstring and knee issues but continued contributing steadily to one of the league’s most successful teams of the decade.
In December 2025, the Cowboys honored Laidlaw and the rest of the “Dirty Dozen” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event recognized the influence of the legendary 1975 rookie class, which helped build the foundation of the franchise’s championship years.
His death comes just months after another member of the Cowboys’ 1970s dynasty, linebacker D.D. Lewis, passed away in September 2025 at age 79.
The 1975 “Dirty Dozen” remains one of the most impactful rookie groups in team history, propelling Dallas into years of contention, multiple Super Bowl appearances, and a winning identity that defined the late 1970s.
Before entering the NFL, Laidlaw excelled at Stanford, developing the skills that served him throughout his pro career. Dallas’ decision to draft him in the 14th round proved to be a wise one, as he became a steady and valuable contributor during their championship-caliber seasons.
The 1970s Cowboys teams Laidlaw played on formed one of the most dominant stretches in franchise history. Under Tom Landry’s guidance, Dallas became synonymous with winning, national attention, and clutch performances.
Laidlaw’s contributions to the Cowboys’ ball-control offense were key to their success. His dual-threat abilities helped Landry craft versatile game plans and sustain long drives, wearing down opponents.
The running back role Laidlaw held has changed significantly since his era. In the 1970s, running backs were essential components of offenses—runners, blockers, and multi-role players. Laidlaw exemplified that adaptability, doing whatever the Cowboys required on any given play.
After retiring following the 1980 season, Laidlaw left behind a legacy built on dependability and team-first play rather than personal accolades. He embodied the type of player championship teams rely on—consistent, unselfish, and quietly influential.
Though his career totals—1,007 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns—may seem modest today, they reflect steady production from a player who maximized his opportunities and helped the Cowboys reach three Super Bowls in five seasons.
Fans and the Cowboys organization now mourn the loss of another key member of their championship past, remembering Laidlaw for both his on-field impact and his commitment to the teamwork and resilience that defined Dallas football during its golden era.
