Former NFL Running Back Scott Laidlaw Dies at 72

Scott Laidlaw, a former running back who achieved Super Bowl glory with the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by his family.

Details surrounding his death remain unclear. The Laidlaw family shared the news with WFAA-TV, highlighting the loss of a significant figure in football.

Laidlaw was well-regarded in college football, having played at Stanford University before entering the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the 14th round of the 1975 draft, marking him as part of the renowned “Dirty Dozen” rookie class, which included future Hall of Famers like Randy White and Bob Brunig.

During his five seasons with the Cowboys from 1975 to 1979, Laidlaw contributed to the team making the playoffs three times. Notably, in the 1977 season, the Cowboys triumphed over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII, clinching a 27-10 victory.

The following season, Dallas reached the Super Bowl again but fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a close 35-31 game. Throughout the postseason, Laidlaw made an impact, scoring two rushing touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons in crucial playoff games.

In 1980, he transitioned to the New York Giants, where he played in seven games before retiring from professional football.

The Cowboys recently honored Laidlaw and the rest of the “Dirty Dozen,” reflecting on their contributions to the team’s legacy.