Who Is Tom Landry? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tom Landry was born on September 11, 1924, and passed away on February 12, 2000. Known for his innovative coaching style and strategic prowess, Landry served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988, making a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL). Over his career, he led the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two championships. He is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1924 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Mission, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 February, 2000 |
| Died Place | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Tom Landry's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Tom Landry's physical statistics may be less relevant following his passing in 2000, during his coaching career he was known for his tall stature. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), he maintained a commanding presence on the sidelines. Weight data is not uniformly documented from that era, but he was athletic in his youth as a player and maintained a professional appearance as a coach.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tom Landry was married to his high school sweetheart, Alicia Waldeck, in 1943. The couple remained devoted to each other until Tom’s death in 2000. They had three children: Tom Jr., and daughters, Genevieve, and Elizabeth. His long-standing marriage and dedication to family significantly shaped his persona both on and off the field.
Born in Mission, Texas, to Ray (an auto mechanic and volunteer fireman) and Ruth (Coffman) Landry, Tom was the second of four children (Robert, Tom, Ruthie, and Jack). Landry's father had suffered from rheumatism, and relocated to the warmer climate of Texas from Illinois.
Ray Landry was an athlete, making his mark locally as a pitcher and football player. Tom played quarterback and punter for Mission High School, where he led his team to a 12–0 record in his senior season.
The Mission High School football stadium is named Tom Landry Stadium and is home to the Mission Eagles and Mission Patriots which also bears the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Tom Landry's estimated net worth was around $10 million. His income was primarily derived from his long coaching career in the NFL, along with endorsements and other personal ventures. Even in 2025, his financial legacy is recognized by many, showcasing the rewards of a successful coaching career.
Career, Business and Investments
Tom Landry’s coaching career is legendary. After playing football at the University of Texas, he served in the Army Air Corps during World War II before transitioning into professional football. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the New York Giants, and shortly thereafter became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Under his guidance, the Cowboys not only became a dominant force in the NFL but also earned the nickname "America's Team." Beyond coaching, Landry was involved in various business ventures, including real estate and sports marketing, that contributed to his wealth.
Thomas Wade Landry (September 11, 1924 – February 12, 2000) was an American professional football coach, player, and World War II veteran. Regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time, he was the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL), a position he held for 29 seasons.
During his coaching career, he created many new formations and methods, such as the now default 4–3 defense that is used by a majority of teams in the NFL, and the "flex defense" system made famous by the "Doomsday Defense" squads he built during his tenure with the Cowboys.
His 29 consecutive years from 1960 to 1988 as the coach of one team is an NFL record, along with his 20 consecutive winning seasons, which is considered to be his most impressive professional accomplishment.
Social Network
Although Tom Landry was not part of the digital social network era during his lifetime, his legacy lives on in platforms dedicated to football history and admiration for his contributions. Fans and former players often share memories and tributes on social media platforms, ensuring his influence continues to resonate with new generations.
Landry coached the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl win, defeating the Miami Dolphins 24–3, holding the Dolphins to a single field goal. The Cowboys won their first Super Bowl a year after losing to the Baltimore Colts. The Cowboys lost the first battle with the Steelers, in a game that is heralded as a classic.
The rematch would be just as good, with the Cowboys being a Jackie Smith catch away from tying the Steelers and keeping pace early in the third quarter; instead, Pittsburgh scored twice in succession and put the game away.
Before the Super Bowl XIII rematch, Cowboys linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson famously stated, "Terry Bradshaw couldn't spell c-a-t if you spotted him the C and the T." Landry recalled in his autobiography how he cringed when he heard that, because he did not feel that Bradshaw needed additional motivation in a big game like the Super Bowl.
Education
Tom Landry graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in education. His education not only contributed to his understanding of the game but also laid the groundwork for his innovative coaching methods and leadership styles that would later revolutionize the NFL.
In summary, Tom Landry remains a pivotal figure in American football history, celebrated for his strategic mind and lasting influence on the sport. Even in 2025, his legacy as a coach and family man is honored by fans, former players, and everyone who cherishes the game.
He interrupted his education after a semester to serve in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Landry was inspired to join the armed forces by his brother Robert Landry, who had enlisted in the Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
While ferrying a B-17 over to England, Robert Landry's plane had gone down over the North Atlantic, close to Iceland. Several weeks passed before the Army was able to officially declare Robert Landry dead.
Landry began his basic training at Sheppard Field near Wichita Falls, Texas (now Sheppard AFB), and his preflight training at Kelly Field (now Kelly Field), located near San Antonio, Texas. Landry's first experience as a bomber pilot was a tough one.
A few minutes after takeoff, Landry noticed that the pilot seemed to be working furiously, causing him to realize that the plane's engine had died. Despite this experience, Landry was committed to flying. At the age of 19, Landry was transferred to Sioux City, Iowa, where he trained as a copilot on the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber.
In 1944, Landry got his orders, and from Sioux City he went to Liverpool, England, where he was assigned to the Eighth Air Force, in Ipswich. Landry earned his wings and a commission as a Second Lieutenant at Lubbock Army Air Field, and was assigned to the 493d Bombardment Group at RAF Debach, England, in the 860th Bombardment Squadron.
From November 1944 to April 1945, he completed a combat tour of 26 missions, (his entire crew went on 29 missions and Landry did not go on 3 of them), he also survived a crash landing in Belgium after his bomber ran out of fuel.
