Tex Schramm, '38 Alhambra Graduate and Cowboys' 1st President/Manager

Tex Schramm, who grew up in San Gabriel and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1938, died July 15, 2003 at his home in Dallas. Schramm was the pioneer who helped turn the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL into the powerful organizations they are today. He was the Cowboys' first president and general manager and held that role for 29 years. He oversaw the rise from expansion team to "America's team," a nickname he didn't invent but heavily promoted.

Enshrined into the Prop Fooball Hall of Fame in 1991, Schramm is remembered for everything from introducing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to building an on-field dynasty and helping orchestrate the AFC-NFC merger in 1966. According to Jerry Jones, current owner of the Cowboys, "Schramm will always be recognized wherever the Cowboys are, whether they are in Texas Stadium or in another arena. He is going to be recognized as the architect, as the man who started and built the Cowboys into America's team."

Among many other things, Schramm, from his  position as the Cowboys' president and general manager, was behind instant replay, sideline radios in quarterback helmets and the six-division, wild-card playoff format. He was also the original chairman of the NFL's competition committee.

"I don't know how I can sum up what Tex did for the NFL and not take 10 years to do it," said Gil Brandt, former Cowboys scouting director. "All of the great ideas that came out of the competition committee he chaired is the reason the NFL is so great today."

Schramm had been in failing health since the death of his wife, Marty, in December, 2002. He is survived by daughters Christi Wilkinson and Kandy Court and six grandchildren. Memorial services were held in Dallas.