Tributes pour in for late former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tony Hutson who died at 49

DALLAS, TEXAS: Tony Hutson, former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman, passed away at the age of 49, as announced in an obituary published last Friday, February 9. The New York Post reports that no cause of death has been disclosed.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1974, the former NFL player grew up in Houston, Texas. He enjoyed a six-season career in the NFL, with the initial four seasons being spent with the Dallas Cowboys.

What did Hutson's relatives say?

“Tony was very humble [and] had the kindest heart and the most beautiful soul,” Marlo Burks, who identified themselves as Hutson’s cousin, wrote in response to his obituary. “Tony loved his family with every ounce of his soul.”

A wake and funeral have been scheduled for later this week to honor the former NFL player.

Hutson was named an All-American in his junior

Hutson played football for two years at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, before transferring to Northeastern Oklahoma State University to finish out his collegiate career.

Standing tall at 6-foot-3, the lineman achieved the honor of being named an All-American in both his junior and senior years at Northeastern Oklahoma State before declaring for the NFL Draft.

However, according to The Oklahoman, Hutson's name wasn't called during the 1996 NFL Draft. Several teams reportedly hesitated to select him after learning about a benign tumor found in his right lung.

“My first thought was I would never get to play football anymore,” Hutson told the newspaper that year. “But then I thought there’s more to life than football. I just wanted to live my life. I talked to my mom about it and prayed about it.”

Hutson was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent 

Hutson’s fortunes soon turned in his favor. He had the tumor successfully removed and was promptly signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent before the season began, fulfilling his dream of making it to the NFL.

Hutson’s job on the offensive line was to protect Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman.

Former teammate paid tribute to Hutson

Former teammate Randall Godfrey, in a social media post earlier this month, mourned Hutson's loss, highlighting the close bond among the rookie players on the 1996 Cowboys team.

“Lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends in Tony Hutson last night,” Godfrey wrote on February 4. “Please keep the Hutson family in prayer. Our 1996 Dallas Cowboys rookies had a special bond. He made several trips to Valdosta to help with my annual football camps.”

Godfrey added, “I cherished every moment that he had me crying after laughing so hard. One of my fishing buddies and much more. I just knew we would be connecting soon. You caught us off guard with this one. Take your rest my bother. Gone too soon.”