Dan Reeves
Dan Reeves (January 19, 1944 – January 1, 2022) was an American NFL running back and coach. Over 38 years in the league, he played in nine Super Bowls, more than most players or coaches ever do.
Playing career: Reeves joined the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1965. He played eight seasons (1965–1972) as a running back and became a key player, leading the team in rushing in 1966. He helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI after the 1971 season. He retired from playing in 1972 and joined the Cowboys’ coaching staff.
Coaching career: Reeves started as a Cowboys assistant coach and later became head coach of the Denver Broncos (1981–1992). With Denver, he led the team to three Super Bowl appearances (XXI, XXII, XXIV) but did not win. He then coached the New York Giants (1993–1996). He won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 1993 for turning the Giants into playoff contenders. In 1997, Reeves became the head coach (and ran the football operation) of the Atlanta Falcons, staying through 2003. The 1998 Falcons went 14–2 and reached Super Bowl XXXIII, losing to the Broncos. He won NFL Coach of the Year again in 1998.
Legacy: Reeves earned 200 career regular-season wins and 11 postseason wins. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2014. He had later roles with NFL teams and helped start Georgia State University’s football program in 2007.
Personal life and death: Reeves was born in Rome, Georgia, grew up in Americus, Georgia, and played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks as a quarterback. He died in Atlanta on January 1, 2022, at age 77 after complications of dementia.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:33 (CET).