Scott Laidlaw, a former running back and Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys, died on Jan. 29, 2026, at age 72. His family announced his passing, though the cause was not revealed.
The standout from Stanford was drafted by Dallas in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft with the 356th pick. He was one of 12 rookies to secure a roster spot that year—a group later dubbed the “Dirty Dozen.” That memorable class included Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White, along with offensive tackle Pat Donovan, linebacker Bob Breunig, linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, and offensive lineman Herbert Scott.
Laidlaw spent five seasons with the Cowboys between 1975 and 1979, helping the franchise reach the playoffs in three of those campaigns. He played a key role in head coach Tom Landry’s ball control offense, contributing as both a runner and receiver.
His rookie season in 1975 was cut short due to a knee injury that required surgery, limiting him to eight games. Despite this setback, he helped Dallas advance to Super Bowl X, where they lost 21-17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Laidlaw secured a Super Bowl championship in 1977 when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos 27-10 in Super Bowl XII in 1978. The victory capped a dominant season and cemented Dallas’ standing as one of the top teams of the era.
The Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl the next year but were beaten by the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-31, marking Laidlaw’s third appearance in the championship game within four seasons.
In postseason play, Laidlaw scored two rushing touchdowns in the NFC Divisional Round against the Atlanta Falcons, then added a receiving touchdown in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. This highlights his ability to perform in key moments.
After being released by Dallas following the 1979 season, Laidlaw joined the New York Giants in 1980. He appeared in seven games before retiring, concluding a six-year NFL career.
Throughout his career, Laidlaw tallied 255 carries for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. As a receiver, he added 74 receptions for 668 yards and three touchdowns. While not a statistical standout, his reliability and versatility made him a valuable part of the Cowboys’ offense during their title-contending years.
Laidlaw dealt with recurring hamstring and knee injuries during his time with Dallas but continued to provide consistent contributions to one of the decade’s most successful teams.
In December 2025, the Cowboys recognized Laidlaw and the rest of the “Dirty Dozen” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The celebration honored the impact of the iconic 1975 rookie class, which played a major role in the franchise’s championship foundation.
His passing comes about five months after fellow member of the Cowboys’ 1970s dynasty, linebacker D.D. Lewis, died in September 2025 at age 79.
The 1975 “Dirty Dozen” remains one of the most influential rookie groups in team history, helping push Dallas into multiple years of contention, several Super Bowl runs, and a winning culture that shaped the late 1970s.
Before entering the NFL, Laidlaw thrived at Stanford, honing the skills that carried him through his professional career. Dallas’ decision to pick him in the 14th round proved wise — the Cowboys organization would later name him the best 14th-round draft pick in franchise history, a distinction that underscores just how much he exceeded the modest expectations that come with a late-round selection.
After retiring in 1980, Laidlaw left behind a legacy defined by consistency and a team-first mentality rather than personal accolades. He represented the kind of steady, unselfish player championship teams rely upon.
Away from the gridiron, Laidlaw built a second career as an entrepreneur and businessman. He opened a designer boot store in Dallas before putting his Stanford architecture degree to work in the stone and marble industry, sourcing natural materials from around the world for major construction projects. He later founded his own stone and fabrication business in Nashville and was living in Dickson, Tennessee, at the time of his death.
Although his career totals—1,007 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns—may appear modest today, they reflect the dependable production of a player who maximized his opportunities and helped Dallas reach three Super Bowls in five years.
Fans and the Cowboys organization now mourn the loss of another key contributor to their championship heritage, remembering Laidlaw for his embodiment of the teamwork and resilience that defined Dallas football during its golden era.