Robert Newhouse (with ball)
Dallas Cowboy legend Robert Newhouse died Tuesday of heart disease. Newhouse was a long-time resident of Merriman Park Estates in Lake Highlands. He was 64.
In a 2013 article, Dallas Morning News named Newhouse one of the Cowboys’ All-Time Best Draft Picks. He was chosen by the Cowboys in the second round of the 1972 draft, and he played with the team until his retirement in 1983. After his playing days, he was employed by the Cowboys in Alumni Relations.
At only 5’10” and 209 pounds, the University of Houston graduate with enormous thighs was dubbed “The House” and “The Human Bowling Ball.” Newhouse was the team’s 5th all-time leading rusher and he led the Cowboys in rushing yardage in 1975 with 930 yards. He scored 31 career touchdowns, and he played in three Super Bowls.
In a recent DMN article, Newhouse’s Trickery in the Backfield was featured in a recap of the Six Best Moments in Cowboys Super Bowl History. The story recalls the play in Super Bowl XII, played in 1978 in New Orleans’ Superdome, when Roger Staubach pitched Newhouse the ball and he moved to the left for a seemingly frill-free run. Newhouse took a few steps and stopped to throw the ball 29 yards downfield to Golden Richards for a touchdown. The trick play gave the Cowboys a 27-10 lead and left the flatfooted defense stunned with only seven minutes remaining in the game. Newhouse became the first running back in Super Bowl history to complete a touchdown pass.
Robert suffered a stroke in 2010 but was working in rehab to rebuild his battered body.
Robert and his wife, Nancy, raised four children in LH: Roddrick, Reggie, Dawnyel and Shawntel. Son Reggie played football at Baylor and for the Arizona Cardinals. Cousin Marshall played at TCU and is now a Cincinnati Bengal.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
