RIP, Frank Clarke

[America's Cowboy]

One of the original Landry foundational Dallas Cowboys players (WR/TE). ✭ RIP, Frank Clarke.

Cowboy Frank Clarke dies at 84

• 
  
  • By Sam Quinn

(Photo: Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)

Frank Clarke, a former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver from 1960-1967, died at the age of 84 Thursday according to Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News. Clark was a part of quite a bit of Cowboys history in his career. According to Hairopoulos, he was the final original member of the Cowboys (who were born in 1960) to retire from the team, and his final game in the NFL was a classic. That would be the 1967 NFL Championship Game, or as it is more commonly known, the Ice Bowl. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Cowboys in that matchup, which gave birth to the frozen tundra reputation of Lambeau Field and was one of the first memorable games in a long rivalry between the two historic franchises.

Clarke attended the University of Colorado and was picked in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. But even six decades ago, the Browns failed to recognize the talent they had in him. Clarke caught only 10 passes in three seasons with the Browns, never more than four in a season, and he was made available in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft which filled out Dallas' initial roster. By his second season under the watchful eye of Tom Landry, Clarke posted 41 catches (a number that was far more impressive in the run-heavy NFL of the 1960's). He went on to become an All-Pro in 1964 and lead the NFL in touchdown receptions in 1962. His 14 touchdown catches that season is more than even Michael Irvin ever posted in a single season. He was the first Cowboy to ever gain 1,000 yards through the air in a single season.


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[dagreat1_87]

RIP.... But I honestly thought of the seahawks player smh

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Very sad. I never saw him play but do know who he is. A True Cowboy. R.I.P. Frank. Say hi to Coach Landry and Dandy Don for me.

 

[DeaconBlues]

RIP.... But I honestly thought of the seahawks player smh

I thought the same . . .

 

[big dog cowboy]

RIP.


I hate when old heroes I watched growing up pass on.

 

[big dog cowboy]

For those wishing to know more about him:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Clarke

 

[Plankton]

The first great WR in Cowboy history. Very underrated player - first Cowboy WR to go over 1000 yards in a season, and caught a long touchdown pass from Meredith in the 4th quarter of the 1966 NFL Championship Game to bring the Cowboys within a touchdown against the Packers. RIP to a quietly successful player.

As an aside, Paul Brown let a lot of good talent go late in his Cleveland Brown tenure - he traded away Henry Jordan, Willie Davis, and Clarke, and released Len Dawson. Not a good way to close his years in Cleveland.

 

[Jake]

 

[Cowboys_22]

RIP Frank Clarke

 

[cowboyec]

THANK YOU,82

RIP FRANK CLARKE...GOD SPEED.

 

[jobberone]

RIP

 

[Captain Late]

Sorry to hear of Frank Clarke passing away today.He was the first real "gamebreaker" for the early Cowboys teams and gave both Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith a big time threat when there wasn't much else to look to.His presence was a big plus to Bob Hayes at the beginning of his career and his versatility allowed Coach Landry to use him at TE and WR late in his career.RIP "Charlie" and your outstanding career and legacy on and off the field will never be forgotten by so many Dallas Cowboys Fans

 

[Bobhaze]

Very sad. I never saw him play but do know who he is. A True Cowboy. R.I.P. Frank. Say hi to Coach Landry and Dandy Don for me.

I saw Frank Clarke play in the Cotton Bowl twice back in the 60s. He was really a forerunner for the modern NFL TE. He once caught a 90 something yard pass from Dandy Don, which was an anomoly in the 60s for a TE. Clarke was the FIRST great Cowboys TE.

RIP the original #84.

 

[SportsGuru80]

R.I.P.

 

[BAT]

Legacy of 82 started with FC. RIP Mr. Clarke.

 

[Cowpolk]

Great player and person sad day in Cowboy land

 

[Jstopper]

I saw Frank Clarke play in the Cotton Bowl twice back in the 60s. He was really a forerunner for the modern NFL TE. He once caught a 90 something yard pass from Dandy Don, which was an anomoly in the 60s for a TE. Clarke was the FIRST great Cowboys TE.

RIP the original #84.

Original #82 you mean

 

[Bullflop]

He was a great Cowboys' TE during the period in which he played.

He partnered with Eddie Le Baron 1st and Don Meredith after that.

 

[Tlaw]

I also never met my friend Frank Clarke but I have talked to him by mail and phone. I wrote to him once (from an address I got from author Sam Blair) for an autograph and he called me to tell me he would be happy to sign my item. After that we exchanged cards, pictures, calls and life happening updates. I learned a lot about the player and man and enjoyed him very much. Frank like many other Cowboys from his time are so much more about their fans then the players of today. Rest In Peace my friend, I miss you already.

 

[America's Cowboy]

I also never met my friend Frank Clarke but I have talked to him by mail and phone. I wrote to him once (from an address I got from author Sam Blair) for an autograph and he called me to tell me he would be happy to sign my item. After that we exchanged cards, pictures, calls and life happening updates. I learned a lot about the player and man and enjoyed him very much. Frank like many other Cowboys from his time are so much more about their fans then the players of today. Rest In Peace my friend, I miss you already.

Amen. ♡ Thank you for sharing, Tlaw. ☆