Gil Brandt
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
Born:
March 4, 1932
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died:
August 31, 2023
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Position:
VP of Player Personnel
Contributor
College:
Wisconsin
Gil Brandt revolutionized professional football scouting and team-building as the longtime Vice President of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys (1960–1988).
Instrumental in building the Cowboys’ dynasty, Brandt pioneered data-driven scouting and was one of the first to integrate psychological testing and computer analysis into player evaluations.
His innovative methods helped Dallas discover countless stars, including Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, and Drew Pearson, often from unconventional backgrounds or smaller schools. Under Brandt’s leadership, the Cowboys made 20 consecutive winning seasons and appeared in five Super Bowls, winning two. Beyond the Cowboys, Brandt's influence shaped modern scouting practices used across the NFL.
His lifetime contribution to football was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor.
Brandt's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2019, Contributor Category)
- NFL 100 All-Time Team (Contributor)
- Helped Discover and Sign 9 Hall of Famers
- Pioneer in Computerized Scouting & Player Testing
- Credited with Creating the Modern NFL Scouting Combine
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Inductee
- Senior Analyst for NFL Media Post-Retirement
- Longtime voice on SiriusXM NFL Radio
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Rams (1955–1957)
San Francisco 49ers (1958–1959)
Dallas Cowboys (1960–1988)
Career Summary:
Team Affiliation:
Dallas Cowboys (1960–1988)
Seasons:
29
Role:
VP of Player Personnel
Playoff Appearances During Tenure:
18
Super Bowl Appearances:
5 (VI, X, XII, XIII, XXVII)
Super Bowl Titles:
2 (VI, XII)
Winning Seasons with Cowboys:
20 consecutive (1966–1985)