Former NFL Player Tony Hutson Dead at 49

The world of professional football is in grief for one of its own.

Tony Hutson, a former Dallas Cowboys guard, passed away on February 3, as stated in his obituary, which was released by Serenity Gardens Funeral Services. 49 was his age.

Hutson, who was born on March 13, 1974, played for the Cowboys for four seasons before having brief spells with the Oakland Raiders and Washington Commanders after making his NFL debut in 1996. In the end, he gave up playing football professionally in 2001.

Hutson’s old Cowboys teammate Randall Godfrey posted a moving eulogy after learning of his passing.

He posted on Facebook on February 4th, saying, “Lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends in Tony Hutson.” Kindly remember the Hutson family in your prayers. Our rookie class of 1996 Dallas Cowboys shared a unique kinship. He came to Valdosta on multiple occasions to assist with my yearly football camps. I treasured every second that he made me cry after making me laugh so hard.”

Beyond their mutual friendship on and off the field, the linebacker said, “One of my fishing buddies and much more.” I had a feeling that we would get in touch shortly. This one really caught us off surprise. Rest, please, my bother. Too soon gone.” Hutson played in the NFL for several years, but he had a health crisis that almost put a stop to his career. The deceased athlete had actually previously described how, in 1996, a benign tumor on his right lung made multiple teams reluctant to sign him.

At the moment, he said to The Oklahoman, “My first thought was I would never get to play football anymore.” “But then I realized that life is about more than just football. All I wanted was to go about my life. I prayed about it and discussed it with my mother.”

And when he found out he would actually play in the NFL, he was still receiving treatment.

“I received a call while I lay in my hospital bed recovering from surgery.