The Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium are sad to announce the passing of Phil Whitfield, a much-loved person known for his remarkable skill in opening any door at the stadium.
On July 26, at the age of 62, Phil Whitfield was found unresponsive in his Dallas home, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever. The cause of his death is still unknown.
AT&T Stadium mourned the loss of Phil Whitfield by sharing a tweet on its Twitter handle on July 28th-
“The loss of Phil Whitfield leaves us all heartbroken. We have such wonderful memories with him, just as so many others do. Few people have generated such widespread goodwill and respect like Phil did over the years. He was an amazing ambassador for the Cowboys and a great friend… pic.twitter.com/ZXuRj6XEnH
— AT&T Stadium (@ATTStadium) July 27, 2023
Phil Whitfield’s Obituary: A Long and Loving Legacy
Phil Whitfield was born on July 29, 1960, in Dallas. He started working for the Dallas Cowboys thirty years ago as a security guard at the old Texas Stadium. Because of his dedication and love for the team, he was given the title of AT&T Stadium and Art Ambassador in 2009, a position he held until he passed away. We remember his remarkable contributions to the Dallas Cowboys community with sadness as we mourn his loss. His memories will always remain in our hearts.
An Unbreakable Bond With the Cowboys
Phil Whitfield’s connection with the Dallas Cowboys went beyond just being a job; it was a strong bond that shaped his entire life. He was deeply devoted to the team, and this passion guided all his actions and decisions during his thirty years of service with the organization. However, what truly set him apart was his special friendship with team owner Jerry Jones and his wife Gene.
Take a look at the tweet that we have provided to you below that was officially shared by The Dallas Cowboys-
Forever grateful to Phil Whitfield and always in our hearts. We will miss you so very much. pic.twitter.com/Z4csuu7Xq1
— Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (@DCCheerleaders) July 27, 2023
Phil didn’t just see the Jones family as his bosses; he considered them his own family. His brother, Roosevelt Whitfield, witnessed how much Phil loved and cared for the team and how the Jones family felt the same way about him.
Their friendship was more than just business. They celebrated successes and joys together and supported each other through tough times and victories. Their deep respect and affection created a warm and friendly atmosphere within the organization, fondly called “Jerry World.”
Phil became an important part of the Cowboys’ identity, not just as a security guard at the old Texas Stadium. He eventually became the AT&T Stadium and Art Ambassador, a role he took on with happiness and excitement. Metaphorically, Phil’s ability to open doors represented his welcoming nature and genuine care for everyone he met.
Beyond the Cowboys’ fan base, Phil’s love for art made him well-known among art enthusiasts. He used his position to support and celebrate artistic expression within the stadium.
As we honor Phil Whitfield and the legacy he leaves behind, we understand that his passion for the Dallas Cowboys and the Jones family went beyond his job. He truly embodied devotion, loyalty, and love for his work, inspiring everyone who knew him. Phil’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who shared his journey, and his memory will continue to impact the spirit of the Dallas Cowboys for years to come.
A Passionate Life: An Art Appreciation Visionary
Aside from his efforts in security and management, Phil Whitfield was instrumental in promoting art at AT&T Stadium. He led public art tours, exhibiting stunning murals, paintings, and sculptures to the tens of thousands of fans who visit the stadium each year. Phil’s enthusiasm for art fit in wonderfully with the Jones family’s idea of building a stadium that catered to a broader audience than just sports fans.
Whitfield, a proud Dallas native, spent his formative years at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School. Throughout his life, he believed that the common thread that connected all artists was their enthusiasm.
A Final Farewell to Phil Whitfield
Details on Phil Whitfield’s burial plans have yet to be determined, but his memory will live on in the hearts of Dallas Cowboys fans, art enthusiasts, and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Finally, Phil Whitfield’s life and accomplishments for the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium will be remembered forever. His ability to open any physical and metaphor door represented the openness, friendliness, and camaraderie that defined “Jerry World.”
Nick Harris shared a tweet on July 28 for Phil Whitfield. You can check the tweet below-
A statement from the Dallas Cowboys and Gene Jones on the passing of longtime #DallasCowboys staff member Phil Whitfield: pic.twitter.com/lqttNEuwTH
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 27, 2023
As we give this wonderful guy farewell, we take with us the valuable teachings of passion, dedication, and love for what we do in all facets of life. May his legacy inspire and touch many people’s lives for many years. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
