When you worked hand in hand with Tom Landry and Tex Schramm to build one of the most iconic sports franchises in history, you deserve a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That’s why Gil Brandt, the Dallas Cowboys’ top personnel man for almost thirty years, was named a finalist this week.
Brandt led the scouting department for Dallas from 1960-1989, joining the team when it was first formed. Almost every Hall of Fame player the Cowboys have had was drafted during Brandt’s tenure, which even included later guys like Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, and Daryl “Moose” Johnston.
BREAKING NEWS: @Broncos Pat Bowlen and @dallascowboys Gil Brandt have been named Contributor Finalists! #PFHOF19 pic.twitter.com/pwPqPJsuhK
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 23, 2018
I almost drove off the side of the road. One of the best days of my life. Thank you, @ProFootballHOF. https://t.co/So1bO8ViG2
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) August 23, 2018
With Landry and Schramm already in the Hall, it’s appropriate for Brandt to join them. They were the brain trust of “America’s Team” and helped lay the foundation for the Dallas Cowboys, who remain the most valuable franchise in all of sports even to this day.
However, the process if far from over for Gil to get his rightful place in Canton. The Selection Committee will continue to deliberate and make their final decisions next February.
Last year, Jerry Jones was inducted into the Hall as a contributor. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was also a finalist, but only Jones was ultimately selected.
Brandt faces tough competition with Pat Bowlen as the other finalist. During his time with Denver, the Broncos have won three Super Bowls and had four other trips as AFC Champions. They have consistently been one of the NFL’s most competitive teams over the last several decades.
Even if Gil Brandt doesn’t make it in 2019, hopefully his day will come shortly after. He had as much a hand in the Cowboys’ early success as anyone, and his ongoing contributions to the NFL as a writer and draft analyst have only added to our football enjoyment.
