George Andrie, a renowned defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and a key figure in the famed Doomsday Defense, passed away at the age of 78 at his home in Waco on Tuesday, as reported by various media sources.Former Cowboys executive Gil Brandt was the first to announce his passing. Brandt expressed his deep sadness at the news of the death of the legendary George Andrie, whom he had scouted and drafted in 1962.
“I would say he was from Marquette, but MU dropped football after the 1960 season. George was one of my best discoveries. He developed into an exceptional defensive end for the Cowboys. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou and seven children,” Brandt commented.
Andrie, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, played football during his school years in a program at Marquette. When the program was discontinued while Andrie was a junior, he continued his education until his senior year as a regular student. The Cowboys selected him in the 6th round of the 1962 NFL Draft. Andrie was one of Brandt’s early successful finds and made significant contributions to the team shortly after joining in his third season.
Andrie was a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler. He played alongside Bob Lilly, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Cowboys history, at defensive end.
Andrie will be remembered as one of the Cowboys’ finest players. He consistently delivered outstanding performances when they were most needed. He scored the first touchdown for the Cowboys in the Ice Bowl of 1967 against the Green Bay Packers. Andrie played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ victory in Super Bowl VI. He retired a year after the NFC Championship game and remains a cherished legend of the team.
