Robert Scott Laidlaw, a former running back and fullback for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, passed away in January 2026 at the age of 72. Known for his contributions to the Cowboys' success in the 1970s, Laidlaw was a key member of the team's physical, ball-control offense.

Born on February 17, 1953, in Hawthorne, California, Laidlaw played college football at Stanford University. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 14th round of the 1975 NFL Draft and became part of the celebrated "Dirty Dozen" rookie class that year. His tenure with the Cowboys spanned five seasons, from 1975 to 1979.

Laidlaw's career highlights include being part of the Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XII following the 1977 season. He appeared in two Super Bowls with the team, contributing significantly to their playoff runs. In 1980, he had a brief stint with the New York Giants before retiring from professional football.

Across his six-year NFL career, Laidlaw accumulated 1,007 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, along with 668 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. His most productive season was in 1976, where he rushed for 424 yards and 3 touchdowns, and caught 38 passes for 325 yards and 1 touchdown. He was also recognized with a Second-team All-Pac-8 selection in 1974 during his college career at Stanford.

Laidlaw's family confirmed his death, which was announced on January 30, 2026. He was honored by the Dallas Cowboys alongside his "Dirty Dozen" teammates in December 2025, shortly before his passing. His legacy as a dedicated player and a Super Bowl champion will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.