- May 21, 2026
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Former Cowboys offensive guard John Niland died Saturday morning in McKinney, Texas, his family announced Sunday. Niland was 82.
The Cowboys selected Niland fifth overall in the 1966 NFL draft out of Iowa. The Raiders drafted him in the 13th round of the AFL draft.
He signed with the Cowboys and played nine of his 10 seasons in Dallas.
Niland earned six Pro Bowls and was All-Pro three times. He played in the 1967 Ice Bowl against the Packers and was the starting left guard in Super Bowl VI when the Cowboys won their first championship.
Niland made 111 starts in 124 games over nine seasons with Dallas. He played one season for the Eagles before retiring after the 1975 season.
Niland was inducted into the Hawkeyes' Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Shaughn, and daughters, Jordan and Haven.
The Cowboys selected Niland fifth overall in the 1966 NFL draft out of Iowa. The Raiders drafted him in the 13th round of the AFL draft.
He signed with the Cowboys and played nine of his 10 seasons in Dallas.
Niland earned six Pro Bowls and was All-Pro three times. He played in the 1967 Ice Bowl against the Packers and was the starting left guard in Super Bowl VI when the Cowboys won their first championship.
Niland made 111 starts in 124 games over nine seasons with Dallas. He played one season for the Eagles before retiring after the 1975 season.
Niland was inducted into the Hawkeyes' Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Shaughn, and daughters, Jordan and Haven.