Walt Garrison Death and Obituary, Who was Walt Garrison? What Happened to Walt Garrison? How Did Walt Garrison Die?
by Swetha P
Updated Oct 13, 2023
Walt Garrison Death and Obituary
Walt Garrison, the former Dallas Cowboys star who made a name for himself both on the football field and in the rodeo arena, has passed away at the age of 79. The NFL team announced his death, although the exact cause was not disclosed. Garrison's legacy is marked by his remarkable dual career as a football player and rodeo cowboy.
He played nine seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, becoming one of the franchise's top rushers and receivers. However, it was his passion for rodeo that set him apart. Even during his rookie season, Garrison would compete in local rodeos as a steer wrestler after Cowboys' team meetings, showcasing his unique blend of athleticism and determination.
Although he was eventually advised to give up rodeo during the football season, he continued to pursue his rodeo career during the offseason. Unfortunately, his rodeo career was cut short when he tore his knee in a steer wrestling event in 1975, leading to his retirement from the NFL at the age of 30. Walt Garrison leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of football and rodeo.
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Who was Walt Garrison?
Walt Garrison was a renowned American athlete who achieved recognition and admiration for his remarkable dual career as a professional football player and a rodeo cowboy. Garrison's journey began at Lewisville High School, where he displayed his athletic prowess by excelling in football, basketball, and baseball.
He later earned a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University, initially starting as a linebacker before transitioning to running back. His collegiate years saw him lead the Big 8 in rushing, outperforming notable players like Gale Sayers. Garrison's legacy was cemented in his nine-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, where he left a significant impact as one of the franchise's top rushers and receivers. However, it was his passion for rodeo that truly set him apart.
Full Name
Birth Date
July 23, 1944
Age at Passing
79 years old
Birthplace
Denton, Texas
High School
Lewisville High School
College
Oklahoma State University
Football Position
Linebacker (College), Fullback (NFL)
Death Date
October 11, 2023
Cause of Death
Not disclosed
Walter Benton Garrison
Walt Garrison Age
Walt Garrison, the esteemed athlete whose name became synonymous with football and rodeo, reached the age of 79 at the time of his passing. Born on July 23, 1944, in Denton, Texas, he embarked on a life that would encompass several decades filled with remarkable achievements.
His enduring legacy left an indelible mark in the realms of both football and rodeo. Over his illustrious journey, he not only demonstrated his remarkable talent but also his unwavering dedication to his dual careers, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the sports world.
Walt Garrison Career
Walt Garrison's career was a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. He initially pursued football and earned a scholarship to play for Oklahoma State University. Starting as a linebacker, he later transitioned to running back and excelled in the sport, leading the Big 8 in rushing during his college years. Garrison's football career continued in the NFL, where he played for the Dallas Cowboys and became one of the franchise's top rushers and receivers.
Yet, it was his parallel career as a rodeo cowboy that truly made him unique. Garrison's love for rodeo led him to participate in steer wrestling competitions, even during his rookie season in the NFL. Although he was eventually prohibited from rodeoing during the football season, he continued his rodeo pursuits in the offseason. Unfortunately, his rodeo career was cut short by a knee injury, leading to his retirement from the NFL.
Walt Garrison Earlier Life
Walt Garrison's story commenced in the heart of Denton, Texas, where he took his first steps toward becoming an American sports legend. His early years were marked by his attendance at Lewisville High School, where he demonstrated his natural talent and versatility by participating in three major sports: football, basketball, and baseball.
It was during this period that the seeds of his future success were sown, and his athletic prowess began to shine. These formative experiences at Lewisville High School laid the essential foundation for his extraordinary journey as a professional athlete. Little did Denton, Texas, know that this young, multi-talented athlete would go on to become a celebrated figure in both the world of football and the rugged arena of rodeo. Walt Garrison's earlier life was a testament to the early determination and athletic potential that would eventually make him a prominent name in the sporting world.
What Happened to Walt Garrison?
Walt Garrison's remarkable journey took a tragic turn when he suffered a knee injury during a steer wrestling event in 1975. This injury ultimately forced him to retire from the NFL at the age of 30. While he left the football field, his legacy as a dual-sport athlete and his significant contributions to both football and rodeo live on. Recently on October 11, 2023, Walt Garrison, the former Dallas Cowboys star and rodeo cowboy passed away.
How Did Walt Garrison Die?
Walt Garrison passed away at the age of 79. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed. His death marks the end of a storied career that spanned both the NFL and the world of rodeo, leaving a lasting impact on both sports.
Walt Garrison Death and Obituary - FAQs
Walt Garrison was a prominent figure in American sports, known for his dual career as a professional football player and rodeo cowboy.
Walt Garrison was 79 years old at the time of his passing.
Walt Garrison is best known for his dual career as a professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys and as a rodeo cowboy.
Walt Garrison's NFL career came to an end due to a knee injury he suffered during a steer wrestling event in 1975.
Walt Garrison played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys.