25 Facts About Pettis Norman

Pettis Burch Norman was born on January 4,1939 and is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the San Diego Chargers.

Pettis Norman played college football at Johnson C Smith University.

Pettis Norman was ten years old when his father died, and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pettis Norman attended Biddlesville Elementary School, Northwest Junior High, and West Charlotte High School, where he made the team in his junior season and became a standout starter in his final year.

Pettis Norman enlisted in the Air Force but was granted a release before attending boot camp due to a football scholarship offer from Johnson C Smith University, a Historically Black University, by then coach Eddie McGirt, without ever having seen him play.

Pettis Norman was named the starter and team MVP at split end as a freshman.

Pettis Norman was a two-way player and became a two-time All-CIAA selection.

Pettis Norman lettered in track and field, once posting a 9.7 seconds 100-yard dash.

Pettis Norman was selected by the Dallas Texans in the 16th round of the 1962 AFL Draft, but wasn't chosen in the NFL Draft due to the Texans spreading rumors that they had already signed him to a contract.

When Ditka joined the Cowboys in 1969 after having been a 4 time All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears, Pettis Norman remained the starter, but split playing time with Ditka to provide great blocking and leadership along the offensive line.

Pettis Norman started in Super Bowl V, which was a loss to the Baltimore Colts.

Pettis Norman played with the Chargers until he retired after the 1973 season because of a degenerative knee condition, having played 12 years and 162 games, receiving 183 passes for 2,492 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Pettis Norman enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard in 1962 and served until 1968 while playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

Pettis Norman married his junior high sweetheart, Margaret Ann Clinkscales, on December 22,1962, and had three daughters before becoming widowed in 1991.

In 1995, Pettis Norman married Ivette Hightower, daughter of the late Master Chief Harry Hightower for whom Hightower Hall at Naval Station Norfolk was named.

Pettis Norman protested again in 1971 when council member George Allen was passed over as Mayor Pro Tem of Dallas despite reassurances to the contrary.

In 1975, Pettis Norman became a television announcer and color commentator for the World Football League, formed in 1973 by attorney and businessman Gary Davidson.

Pettis Norman founded the Dallas Together Forum in the 1990s, an initiative that worked with Dallas CEOs to improve minority hiring and award contracts to women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Pettis Norman is as a member emeritus of JCSU's board of trustees, has served as a keynote speaker, advisor, board member, and volunteer for numerous organizations, and was involved in charity golf tournaments benefiting various causes and nonprofits.

Pettis Norman sued the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers, claiming medical negligence in the handling of his injured knee.

On December 2,2014, the Dallas Police Department reported that Sharneen Pettis Norman, who went by "Shawn," died from a gunshot wound.

Pettis Norman was featured on the History Channel's History Stories regarding his recollection of the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22,1963, in Dallas, Texas, and the Dallas Cowboys' subsequent loss to the Cleveland Browns two days later.

Pettis Norman was recognized in the Congressional Record by the Honorable James M Collins as a Dallas Park Board member, by the Honorable Martin Frost during Minority Enterprise Development Week and regarding police-community relations, and by the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson for his contributions to the City of Dallas.

Pettis Norman is known for his television and documentary appearances on The NFL on CBS, The NFL on NBC, NBC Sports, NFL Monday Night Football, and NFL Films.

Pettis Norman has appeared in numerous media including The New York Times, Texas Monthly, The Dallas Morning News, NBC DWF 5, the Dallas Business Journal, The Cowboys Legends Show, The Charlotte Post, The Charlotte Observer, and many others.