Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed deep sadness over the passing of Brandt. In a statement, Jones said, “Gil was at the very core of the early success of the Dallas Cowboys and continued to serve as a great ambassador for the organization for decades beyond that. His contributions cemented his spot in the [team’s] Ring of Honor. He was my friend and a mentor not only to me, but to countless executives, coaches, players, and broadcasters across the National Football League, which rightfully earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will be celebrated forever.”
Brandt served as the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel for 28 years, from the team’s inception in 1960 until May 1989, when Jerry Jones assumed ownership and general manager duties.
Under the leadership of coach Tom Landry and general manager Tex Schramm, the Cowboys achieved an unprecedented 20 consecutive winning seasons starting in 1966. They also appeared in five Super Bowls, emerging victorious in two. Brandt’s contributions to the team’s success have been recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
One of Brandt’s notable achievements was his innovative use of computers and analytics in player evaluation. He worked with IBM to develop a system that assigned numerical values to players based on various physical and psychological factors. He was also instrumental in the creation of the NFL scouting combine. Throughout his career, Brandt drafted or signed nine players who went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Brandt played a key role in the Dallas Cowboys’ first draft under Jerry Jones, which resulted in the selection of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as the first overall pick. Despite being fired by Jones shortly after the draft, Brandt maintained a close friendship with him and chose Jones to present him at his Hall of Fame induction.
Born on March 4, 1933, in Milwaukee, Brandt started his NFL career as a part-time scout with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1950s. His innovative scouting methods and knack for player evaluation quickly earned him recognition. Brandt remained active in analyzing players even after his retirement, providing insights for NFL.com, hosting a Sirius XM radio show, and offering his opinion to anyone in the league who sought it. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the game.
Brandt’s career took a controversial turn in 2022 when he made inflammatory comments following the death of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Despite issuing an apology, Brandt largely withdrew from the public eye.
Reflecting on his legacy, Brandt expressed his hope to be remembered for his contributions to the growth of professional football and for his instrumental role in establishing the Dallas Cowboys as one of the most respected organizations in history.
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