Tom Landry
- Coach Field
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Life: 1924-2000 Sport: Football
Role: Coach
When you think of sports excellence, Tom Landry should quickly come to mind. He was the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and held that position for an incredible 29 seasons. During his tenure, the Cowboys achieved 20 consecutive winning seasons, won two Super Bowls, five NFC titles, and 13 divisional championships. Landry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 as a head coach—but that honor only tells part of the story.
Coach Landry came from a humble, hardworking family in Mission, Texas. He grew up playing sports, and his love for football led him to the University of Texas, where he played fullback and defensive back. Shortly after arriving in Austin, he interrupted his studies to serve his country as an Army pilot in World War II. He served from 1942 to 1945, then returned to the University of Texas, continuing his football career and graduating in 1949.
Throughout much of his life, Coach Landry considered himself a Christian, but for years he was simply going through the motions. That changed in 1958, when a close friend invited him to a men’s Bible study he was initially reluctant to attend. As an engineer by training, Landry often struggled to reconcile the truths of Scripture with his analytical and scientific mindset. But through his commitment to that study, he discovered that there was more to life than football—and that if Jesus truly was who He said He was, only He could fulfill the deepest longings of the heart.
Coach Landry would go on to lead his teams with a newfound faith in Jesus Christ, unafraid to blend his passion for football with his spiritual convictions. Over the years, the wisdom he gained from Scripture helped shape the culture of the locker room and guided him in developing the character he believed was essential to winning at the highest level.
Coach Landry left a lasting legacy both on and off the field. He was married to his wife Alicia for over 50 years, and together they raised one son and two daughters. He was deeply committed to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving in multiple roles including on the national board and in the Greater Dallas chapter.
His trademark look—a suit and fedora worn at every game as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys—remains iconic. But it was his willingness to lay down his life for his family, his players, and his community that made the greatest impact of all.
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