Walter Garrison Obituary: Examine the circumstances surrounding the demise of the legendary athlete Walt Garrison, providing insight into his age at the moment of his departure. Explore his extraordinary formative years as a prominent figure in American sports and analyze the lasting impact he has had on the domains of football and rodeo.
Walter Garrison Obituary
Walt Garrison, a legendary fullback, rodeo rancher, and football player, passed away after leading the Big Eight in the Oklahoma State championship race. At the time, he was 79. The NFL team’s website published the news on Thursday that Garrison had passed away overnight. The cause of demise remained undisclosed.
So sad to hear the passing of Walt Garrison. One of the great former Cowboys I had the pleasure to know. Kind and funny. A good combo. Invited Joe Willie and Luke to ride his horses on his ranch and I am glad I took him up on the offer. RIP Walt pic.twitter.com/82JRSfAOKl
— Babe Laufenberg (@BabeLaufenberg) October 13, 2023
Garrison, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Oklahoma State, spent nine years with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 1974 as the team’s third-leading rusher and fourth-leading receiver. While his rushing average remains at 4.32 yards per game all-time, he ranks tenth all-time in rushing yards (3,491) for Dallas.
The Daniels family is sad to hear of the passing of Dallas Cowboys legend, Walt Garrison. The painting below was from an 80s Skoal/Copenhagen ad with Earl Campbell. Dad & Walt were also team roping partners. RIP, Walt. Hope you & Dad rope some heavenly steers together. – CD, Jr. pic.twitter.com/nF6c0zYZOa
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) October 13, 2023
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What was Walt Garrison’s identity?
Prominent American athlete Walt Garrison maintained a thriving professional football career concurrently with his rodeo equestrian endeavors. Garrison began his illustrious career as an outstanding athlete in three distinct sports at Lewisville High School.
After graduating from high school, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he competed as a linebacker and running back, on a football scholarship. Throughout his collegiate career, he surpassed notable athletes such as Gale Sayers and concluded his tenure as the Big 8’s all-time sprinting leader. In his nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, Garrison established himself as an NFL icon at running back and wide receiver. However, what set him apart from others was his fervour for the rodeo.
Early Years And Profession
Although Garrison, a native of Denton, Texas, was anticipated to play defensive linebacker for Oklahoma State University, his instructor, Phil Cutchin, altered his mind. Garrison was promoted to the running back position, one in which he had not previously participated but for which he was highly suitable.
He finished second in the Big Eight Conference in rushing as a senior, having led the conference as a junior. Furthermore, alongside being honored with inductions into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma State Athletics Hall of Honor, he held his position and actively participated in the College All-Star Game.
After being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in 1966, he returned to his home state for the first two seasons, primarily performing the position of kickoff returner. He swapped positions in 1969 and rose to prominence at fullback. Garrison was a crucial contributor to the team’s success during the 1971–72 season, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl that year.
Due to his challenging lifestyle off the field and on-field injuries, Garrison was forced to retire in 1974. To earn the moniker “real cowboy,” Garrison participated in off-season professional rodeos as a wrestler of steers, a spokesperson for chewing tobacco, and a narrator of thrilling stories.
Rest in peace to Dallas Cowboy, OSU Cowboy, and larger-than-life American cowboy Walt Garrison ???? pic.twitter.com/MJU9gPXVnB
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 12, 2023
In 1975, Garrison suffered a knee tear while performing steer wrestling at the U.S. Tobacco-sponsored national collegiate rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, during an exhibition run. As a result, he was compelled to resign from the NFL at the age of thirty.
Garrison, a native Texan, excelled in three activities during his time at Lewisville High School: basketball, football, and baseball. At Oklahoma State, he initially lined up at linebacker before transferring to running back. He surpassed Gale Sayers of Kansas to lead the Big 8 in rushing in 1964. In 1965, he accumulated 924 yards on the ground and five touchdowns in ten games.
In 1988, John Tullius and he published his biography, which was titled “Once a Cowboy.” Additionally, a multiple sclerosis organization bears his name. In addition to being a member of the Cowboys’ 25th Anniversary Team, Garrison is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
