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Former NFL star Tom Rafferty died in Colorado Thursday, The Dallas Morning News confirmed. The 1978 Super Bowl champion was 70.

Rafferty recently had a stroke, and the former offensive lineman had been hospitalized since early May.

He played guard and center during his standout career with the Dallas Cowboys. 

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Center Tom Rafferty of the Dallas Cowboys huddles with teammates during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium Dec. 4, 1988, in Cleveland. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Rafferty played for the Cowboys from 1976-89. During that span, he was a key part of an offensive line that helped protect Hall of Fame quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. 

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Before he became a fourth-round draft pick, Rafferty played for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Rafferty earned a Super Bowl ring when the Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos in the 1978 Super Bowl. He played in another Super Bowl after the 1978 season, albeit in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dallas Cowboys center Tom Rafferty (64) in action against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Nov. 15, 1987. (Dick Raphael/USA Today Sports)

Perhaps Rafferty's most memorable career moment happened in January 1983 when he delivered the key block to help spring Tony Dorsett's record-setting 99-yard touchdown run in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. 

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After his playing days, Rafferty spent time working in sports equipment sales.

He is survived by his wife, their two children and grandchildren.

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