Gil Brandt: American Hall of Fame Executive dies at 91

Gil Brandt, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who helped turn the Dallas Cowboys from an expansion franchise to “America’s Team,” pioneered the NFL’s era of analytics, and passed away on Thursday at the age of 91.

Since the Cowboys’ entrance into the NFL in 1960 until Jones took over as owner and general manager in May 1989, Brandt served as the team’s vice president of player personnel.

Other teams followed Brandt’s lead in modern scouting by using computers and analytics to assess players’ physical and psychological characteristics. Nine players who later became Hall of Fame members were either drafted by him or signed by him. His first pick in 1960 was defensive lineman Bob Lilly.

Gil Brandt: American Hall of Fame Executive dies at 91

Gil Brandt, one of the three people who helped turn the Dallas Cowboys into “America’s Team” in the 1970s but was overshadowed by Coach Tom Landry and General Manager Tex Schramm, has passed away. He was 91.

Brandt passed away early on Thursday, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although no specific cause of death was provided, Brandt’s health had been deteriorating recently.