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Former Cowboys QB Eddie LeBaron Dies At Age 85

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STOCKTON, Calif. (AP/CBSDFW) - College football Hall of Famer, former Dallas Cowboys & NFL quarterback and war hero Eddie LeBaron Jr. has died. He was 85.

The University of the Pacific said LeBaron died of natural causes Wednesday.

LeBaron played at Pacific for coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and also helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1949.

He later served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism.

LeBaron played 11 seasons in the NFL for Washington and was the Dallas Cowboys first quarterback.

During his first season with the Cowboys, the team didn't win any of the 10 games he started - they went 0-11-1.

Over his career LeBaron threw for 13,399 yards and 104 touchdowns and was selected to four NFL Pro Bowls.

He later served as general manager for the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 to 1982 and was the league's Executive of the Year in 1980. He also served on the NFL's Competition Committee.

He is survived by his wife Doralee, sons Edward "Wayne" III, Richard and William, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

 

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