Don Perkins grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and earned eight letters for Waterloo West High School, four in football and four in track, know his death reason and obituary
Don Perkins, a former Cowboys running back, died on Thursday, June 9, at the age of 84. The NFL team and the University of New Mexico, where he was a great player before pursuing a professional career, both confirmed his death. In the 1960s, Perkins was a six-time Pro Bowl running back for the Dallas Cowboys.
Don Perkins Cause Of Death, Obituary, Biography, Age, NFL Career Stats, Family And Net Worth
RIP, Don Perkins. 1961 NFL Rookie of the Year, rushed for 6,217 career yards with 42 touchdowns during his illustrious career. pic.twitter.com/rdDrxgESAm
— Gilbert A. Herrera (@HerreraGilbertA) June 11, 2022
Don Perkins has passed away at the age of 84, the @dallascowboys announced on Thursday.
Perkins still ranks fourth in rushing in franchise history and was a 6-time Pro Bowler and is a Ring of Honor member. RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/f2alF7ooMn
— DFW Sports (@DFW_SportsBlitz) June 10, 2022
“We were all very devastated by Don Perkins’ death. Don, as one of the first players to sign with the Dallas Cowboys, set the bar for future generations of Cowboys running backs. He established the position’s great history in Dallas, and it is a genuine credit to his skill, ability, and adaptability that he is still the franchise’s fourth-leading rusher to this day.
He was a real family guy, a community pillar, a deserving Ring of Honor member, and a dedicated teammate. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are sent to Don’s family, friends, and loved ones “According to the Dallas Cowboys. The cause of death for Perkins has not been disclosed but it is said to be due to old age, health issues and illness.
The 84 year old had a net worth of $5 million.
Early Life And Career
Perkins grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and earned eight letters for Waterloo West High School, four in football and four in track (sprinter). He was also a basketball player. Perkins also attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he played collegiate football.
He was a two-way player who played halfback and defensive back and was a three-time All-Skyline pick as well as the Skyline Sophomore of the Year. He also led the country in kickoff returns in 1958 and was named third-team All-American the following year.
Later in his career, from 1961 through 1968, Perkins carried for 6,217 yards in 107 games with the Cowboys. He is fourth on the team’s career chart, after NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett, as well as current running back Ezekiel Elliott. His 42 running touchdowns are tied for seventh-most in franchise history.
The Baltimore Colts selected Perkins in the ninth round of the 1960 NFL Draft. However, he had already signed a personal service contract with the expansion Cowboys at the time. He received his rights in exchange for a ninth-round selection pick from the Colts.
Perkins allegedly missed the Cowboys’ first season in 1960 due to a broken foot. He was most remembered for running for 815 yards in 1961 and placed third in the NFL rookie vote behind Mike Ditka and Fran Tarkenton. He recorded a career-high 945 yards in 1962.