Tony Hutson, a former guard for the Dallas Cowboys during the late 1990s, passed away in early February at the age of 49, as reported in an online obituary. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Hutson’s former teammate, Randall Godfrey, expressed his grief on Facebook, reminiscing about the special bond they shared as rookies in 1996. Godfrey fondly remembered Hutson’s contributions to his annual football camps in Valdosta and his infectious humor that often left him in tears of laughter. Godfrey also acknowledged Hutson’s love for community service and his knack for keeping everyone around him in high spirits.
Hutson’s football journey began at MacArthur High School in Texas, where he excelled as an offensive tackle. He later played at Kilgore College before transferring to Northeastern Oklahoma State University. His talent was recognized with NAIA All-American honors in 1994 and 1995.
However, his football career faced a significant hurdle in 1996 when a benign tumor was discovered on his right lung during a physical examination by the Raiders. Despite the setback, Hutson remained optimistic, focusing on the bigger picture of life beyond football. After a successful surgery to remove the tumor, he was signed by the Cowboys as a free agent.
Hutson’s time with the Cowboys was marked by his dedication and effort. Despite spending 1996 on the practice squad and missing most of the 1997 training camp due to wrist surgery, he made his debut late in the year. His first start was a memorable one, contributing to a dramatic 17-14 victory against Washington. Hutson recalled the experience as an emotional one, filled with nerves, responsibility, and ultimately, triumph.