Topics

More

Former Penn State Football Player Tom Rafferty Dies At 70

Former Penn State football player and team captain Tom Rafferty died Friday, June 6, at the age of 70, the team announced.

Rafferty was an offensive guard for the Nittany Lions from 1973-75, and was named a First-Team All-American in his final season.

Following his collegiate career, Rafferty was selected in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent his entire 13-year career. He is sixth in Cowboys history with 203 career games played and fourth in starts with 182.

According to Yahoo Sports, Rafferty was hospitalized in May after suffering a stroke.

Rafferty is survived by his wife Donna, children Michael and Rachel, and two grandchildren.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Michael Siroty

Michael Siroty is a junior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in broadcast journalism. When he isn't writing articles or making TikToks for Onward State, Siroty is probably somewhere talking about college sports. You can contact him to discuss your sushi order or music taste on Instagram and X @msiroty or by email at [email protected].

Matt Campbell Dives Deeper Into Penn State Football’s Quarterback Room

With Alex Manske out for the spring and Rocco Becht slowly returning from injury, Penn State’s quarterback unit is in a unique position.

10 Questions With Movin’ On 2027 Executive Director Melissa Zaffino

Onward State sat down with Movin’ On 2027 Executive Director Melissa Zaffino.

Finding Purpose Beyond The Plan: Alivia Peterson’s Penn State Journey

Peterson’s college journey reflects a shift from an achievement-driven identity to a purpose rooted in helping others navigate their own uncertainties.

113kFollowers
68.5kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter