Report: Former Defensive Lineman for the Cowboys Don Smerek died of cancer at the age of 66.

Former Defensive Lineman for the Cowboys Don Smerek died of cancer at the age of 66.

Don Smerek, 66, a former defensive lineman, passed away from cancer, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas News.

On March 16, Don Smerek, a colorful defensive lineman with the Cowboys in the 1980s, passed away from cancer.

He was sixty-six.

Smerek, a free agent from Nevada who was not selected, signed with the Cowboys in 1981. He played 69 games and collected 14 ½ sacks over the course of seven seasons.

Don Smerek was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 1980.

Smerek was a defensive end for Nevada during his collegiate career. His efforts throughout the 1979 season garnered him All-Big Sky recognition.

Although Smerek is only shown on the stat sheet for seven seasons, he spent his whole eight-year NFL career with the Cowboys. Out of the 69 games he appeared in, he started four. After getting hurt during training camp, he was unable to play in 1980. After 1980, Smerek switched to defensive tackle.