Tom Landry

Date of Birth: September 11, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 12, 2000

Biography

Tom Landry was a celebrated American football coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 11, 1924, in Mission, Texas, Landry’s career in football began as a player, where he served as a defensive back and punter for the New York Giants. However, it was his innovative coaching methodologies and impressive track record with the Cowboys that solidified his legacy in football history. Landry’s coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys spanned 29 seasons from 1960 to 1988. He is credited with the creation of the “4-3 defense” and the “flex defense,” strategies that revolutionized the game. Under his leadership, the Cowboys won two Super Bowl championships (VI, XII), five NFC titles, and 13 Divisional titles. Known for his calm demeanor and trademark fedora, Landry was respected not only for his tactical genius but also for his ability to inspire and manage his players. Landry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport. He passed away on February 12, 2000, after a battle with leukemia.

5 Interesting Facts about Tom Landry

1. Tom Landry served as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

2. He is one of only a few coaches in NFL history to have a winning record against every team in the league.

3. Landry’s 20 consecutive winning seasons with the Cowboys is an NFL record that still stands.

4. He was known for wearing a fedora on the sidelines, making it his signature look.

5. Landry was an innovator of the “shotgun formation,” which is still used extensively in the NFL today.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tom Landry

1. “Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in control.”

2. “I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat.”

3. “The secret to winning is constant, consistent management.”

4. “Today, you have 100% of your life left.”

5. “Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Tom Landry was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Tom Landry had three children: Tom Landry Jr., Kitty Landry, and Lisa Landry. His family was known for their strong support and presence throughout his career.