Cowboys Stadium Staple Passes Away at 62

Phil Whitfield was a constant presence at both Texas Stadium and AT&T Stadium over the past 30 Dallas Cowboys seasons.

The Dallas Cowboys will kick off this season without one of their most tenured veterans.

Dallas announced the passing of longtime employee Phil Whitfield at the age of 62 this week. Gene Jones, who worked with Whitfield in the curation of the stadium's art collection and wife of Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry, released a statement declaring the organization was "heartbroken" over his loss.

"We have such wonderful memories with him, just as so many others do," Jones said. "Few people have generated such widespread goodwill and respect like Phil did over the years. 

"He was an amazing ambassador for the Cowboys and a great friend and docent for our art program and the purpose of connecting with children and inspiring them to enjoy art. We will miss him greatly."

Two days away from his 63rd birthday, Whitfield had been with the Cowboys since the 1993 season and held a variety roles with the team as well as both Texas Stadium and AT&T Stadium. He began as a security guard but more recently stood as an art ambassador, helping curate the art collection at the latter.

To other audiences, Whitfield earned a bit of a cult following for his role on "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team," the long-running reality competition series on CMT. On the series, Whitfield, often clad in a Cowboys-branded tied, would be well-known for greeting the candidates upon their arrival to AT&T Stadium as well as offering support and motivation.

Whitfield's cause of death has not been disclosed.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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