Gilbert "Gil" Brandt

Gil was born on March 4, 1932, to Loretta and Gilbert William Brandt of Milwaukee, where he later played football, basketball and ran track at North Division High School. Always quick to spot a trend, Gil left the University of Wisconsin to start a baby photography business in 1951 as the Baby Boom was beginning to crest. Purchasing cameras for three local hospitals, he charmed nurses into taking the photos in exchange for the hospital receiving part of the profits. With his partner, he developed the photos in the basement of his parents’ home, charging extra for the more “modern” photos in color.

As his business boomed along with the Boomers, Gil eventually met Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch, a fellow Wisconsinite and football great who then played for the Los Angeles Rams. Hirsch introduced Gil to Rams PR man Pete Rozelle (future commissioner of the NFL) who recruited Gil to the Rams’ scouting staff in 1955. There he met Tex Schramm, who, after being named manager of the new Dallas Cowboys franchise in 1960, hired the 26-year-old Gil to be the new team’s chief scout---changing the face of football forever.

Gil’s innate ability to recognize athletic talent made him a highly influential figure in the annals of both college and pro football. His unwavering dedication to advancing the scouting craft led to visionary innovations that set new standards in the NFL and continue to have a lasting impact on the game of football. As the Cowboys’ first Vice President of Player Personnel, a job he would hold for 29 years, Gil would help draft and sign 11 future Pro Football Hall of Famers.

His work eventually led to his own induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as its first representative of the scouting and personnel community. He is also enshrined in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. In 1999, Gil was named Man of the Year for the Walter Camp Football Foundation, where he donated both his resources and countless hours of his time. The WCFF annually selects, honors, and brings together in service the college All-America teams, a cause Gil actively supported for over 40 years.

Gil was a trendsetter in his profession in signing undrafted free agents and scouting players from other sports. He was well known for giving opportunities to unheralded athletes from small schools and historically black colleges and universities, producing at least four Hall of Famers and dozens of championship players. He was the creator and driving force of the NFL Scouting Combine, which today is considered the Super Bowl of the player development process, and he gave freely and generously of his own time to help players and coaches go forward in their careers.

A man of deep loyalties, Gil’s heart was forever with the Cowboys, so after leaving the team, he pivoted to a new career in media, spending 30 years with NFL.com and Sirius/XM radio, hosting shows from Super Bowls to the NFL Draft. Throughout his life, he maintained active relationships with friends ranging from owners, players and coaches to executive assistants and interns. From his bed in palliative care, Gil was still whispering names of prospects in influential ears.

Gil’s often serious and taciturn demeanor hid a big heart and life of quiet service, especially to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Big Sky Country (Montana) and cancer patient support organizations. For over 50 years, he found solace in the tranquil beauty of Big Sky, where he loved floating the Madison River, snow skiing and playing golf.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sara, and sons Brig (Meredith) of Bend, Oregon, and Hunter (Callen) of Birmingham, Alabama, as well as three cherished nephews and countless friends and admirers. The family gives its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Claus Roehrborn and Brad Hornberger of UT Southwestern, Dr. George Ipe of Baylor Hospital, the first responders from the University Park Fire Department Station 451, numerous faithful private caregivers, and everyone at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Dallas for their attentive and diligent care, tender patience, and devotion to Gil’s comfort and dignity.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, in the sanctuary of Highland Park Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird in Dallas, with Senior Minister Paul Rasmussen presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Belong Disability Ministry of Highland Park United Methodist Church, the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center, or Big Brother and Big Sisters of Big Sky Country in Bozeman, Montana.

We celebrate that Gil has stepped off Earth’s sidelines to run joyously onto the playing field of Heaven. Until we meet again, Gil, save us a seat on the 50.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”

2nd Timothy 4:7-8

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Brandt family.