Scott Laidlaw, a former running back and Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 72. His family confirmed his death, though no cause was disclosed.
The Stanford standout was selected by Dallas in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft, going 356th overall. He became one of 12 rookies to make the team that season, a group later dubbed the “Dirty Dozen.” The notable rookie class included Hall of Famer Randy White, along with Pat Donovan, Bob Breunig, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, and Herbert Scott.
Laidlaw spent five seasons with the Cowboys from 1975 through 1979, helping the team reach the playoffs in three of those years. He played a key role in head coach Tom Landry’s ball-control offense, contributing as both a runner and a receiver.
His first season in 1975 was shortened by a knee injury that required surgery, limiting him to eight games. Despite the injury, Laidlaw aided the Cowboys in their run to Super Bowl X, where they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-17.
During the 1977 campaign, Laidlaw captured a Super Bowl title when the Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos 27-10 in Super Bowl XII in 1978. The win capped a dominant year for Dallas, solidifying the team’s reputation as one of the league’s top franchises of the era.
Dallas returned to the Super Bowl the following year but came up short in a 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking Laidlaw’s third Super Bowl appearance in just four years with the team.
Over his postseason career, Laidlaw recorded two rushing touchdowns. He scored once against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship and once versus the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Round, proving his ability to deliver in crucial playoff moments.
After the Cowboys released him following the 1979 season, Laidlaw joined the New York Giants in 1980. He appeared in seven games before retiring, ending a six-year NFL career.
Throughout his time in the NFL, Laidlaw totaled 255 rushing attempts for 1,007 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He also contributed significantly as a receiver, tallying 74 catches for 668 yards and three receiving touchdowns. While his numbers were not superstar-level, his adaptability and consistency made him a crucial component of the Cowboys’ offense during their championship run.
Laidlaw dealt with recurring knee and hamstring injuries during his years in Dallas, yet he continued to play an important role for one of the NFL’s most successful franchises of the 1970s.
The Cowboys honored Laidlaw and the rest of the “Dirty Dozen” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in December 2025, just weeks before his passing. The ceremony recognized the legendary 1975 rookie class that helped build the foundation of the team’s championship years.
Laidlaw’s death follows the passing of another member of the Cowboys’ 1970s dynasty. D.D. Lewis, a linebacker known for his role in Dallas’ famed defense, died in September 2025 at age 79.
The 1975 “Dirty Dozen” rookies remain one of the most impactful draft groups in Cowboys history. Their collective contributions helped elevate the team into a perennial contender and established the winning identity that defined Dallas throughout the late 1970s.
Before entering the NFL, Laidlaw made a name for himself at Stanford, where he developed the skills that shaped his pro career. The Cowboys’ choice to select him in the 14th round proved wise, as he became a dependable piece of the team’s championship formula.
The Cowboys teams Laidlaw played for in the 1970s represented one of the franchise’s greatest eras. Under Tom Landry’s leadership, Dallas became known for steady success, national prominence, and a roster full of clutch performers.
Laidlaw’s contributions to Dallas’ ball-control offense were vital. His ability to both rush and catch passes gave Landry additional strategic options and helped the team sustain long drives that wore down opposing defenses.
The running back role Laidlaw played has changed considerably since his playing days. In the 1970s, running backs were relied upon for versatility—running, blocking, and supporting the offense in multiple ways. Laidlaw embodied that all-around skill set, adapting to whatever the Cowboys needed.
After retiring following the 1980 season, Laidlaw left behind a legacy defined not by personal accolades but by steady contributions and team success. He exemplified the kind of player every champion needs—a dependable, hardworking teammate whose efforts help drive a team toward its goals.
Laidlaw’s career statistics only tell part of his story. His 1,007 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns may seem modest today, but they reflect consistent production from a player who made the most of his opportunities and appeared in three Super Bowls during five seasons in Dallas.
The Cowboys organization and NFL fans alike now mourn the loss of another member of the team’s championship era, remembering Laidlaw for both his on-field impact and his embodiment of the teamwork and dedication that defined Dallas football during one of its most successful periods.
