However, Garrison's rodeo career, which he referred to as his first love, cemented his status as the ultimate cowboy. He was also a long-time spokesperson for U.S.
Tobacco and its Skoal smokeless brand, with the catchphrase "Just a pinch between your cheek and gum is all it takes" appearing frequently in his 1970s television commercials.
As a little-used backup during his rookie season, the Cowboys reported he'd go out after team meetings and compete in local rodeos as a steer wrestler before returning to the hotel before the 11 p.m. curfew.
"I wasn't starting," Garrison was quoted saying. "All I did was return punts and kicks and cover for the kamikaze squad.
And, hell, you could get hurt worse on them than you would rodeoing. I didn't think much of it, but the Cowboys did.Walt Garrison,
who led the Big 8 in rushing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, won a Super Bowl as a fullback with the Dallas Cowboys, and competed in rodeo, died. He was 79.
Garrison died overnight, according to a story on the NFL team's website published Thursday. It did not state the reason of death.
Garrison, a fifth-round draft pick from Oklahoma State, played nine seasons in Dallas and retired in 1974 as the franchise's No. 3 rusher and No. 4 receiver
He remains fourth on Dallas' career list with 4.32 yards per carry and ninth with 3,491 yards rushing.