Don Perkins Family; Wife, Children

Donald Anthony Perkins was a fullback for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League. He attended the University of New Mexico and where he played football.

As a three-year starter at halfback, Perkins set 12 records. When he finished his career, the school retired his number (43) – a first in UNM history. With 2,001 yards, he is 14th on the Lobos’ career rushing chart.

He was a member of the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame as well as the University of New Mexico Hall of Honor. Perkins had his best season in 1962 when he ran for 945 yards and seven touchdowns and became the first Cowboy to be named to the All-Pro team.

Perkins retired at the end of 1968, having led all active players in running yards since Jim Taylor’s retirement and ranking seventh in NFL history with 6,217 yards.

Perkins passed away at the age of 84 on June 9 2022. Don and his wife Virginia were divorced. He was a father of four children and a grandfather of eleven.