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DALLAS - Former Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe Avezzano, whose wild sideline antics made him a fan favourite when the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in the 1990s, died Thursday. Colt McCoy Red Jersey . He was 68. Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple confirmed that Avezzano died in Italy. He had moved to Milan earlier this year to coach an Italian Football League team, the Milan Seamen. That team said on its website that Avezzano died of a heart attack. Attempts to resuscitate Avezzano were unsuccessful, the team said. Avezzano had a 12-year run with the Cowboys and became a popular figure in North Texas. Avezzano was the Cowboys special teams coach from 1990 to 2002, prowling the sidelines as the team won Super Bowls in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Avezzano was named the NFLs special teams coach of the year three times. Known affectionately in the Dallas area as "Coach Joe," he maintained a high profile after he left the Cowboys staff when Bill Parcells was hired as head coach in 2003. He spent two seasons as head coach of the Arena Football Leagues Dallas Desperadoes, which were owned by the family of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He became a regular on Cowboys-related TV and radio shows in the Dallas market and opened a "Coach Joes" restaurant in the area. "Joe Avezzano was a very special part of our Dallas Cowboys family and our organizations history," Jones said in a statement released by the team. "No one enjoyed life more than Joe, and no one that I know had a greater appreciation for the people that he loved and the lives that he touched. There was no one else like him." Avezzano also coached special teams for the Oakland Raiders for two years under Norv Turner until Turner was fired after the 2005 season. Avezzano and Turner were on the staff together in Dallas. "Joe Avezzano was a great coach and a super guy," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We are saddened by his loss." In February, Avezzano took over the Seamen. Italians in Dallas threw Avezzano a send-off party before he left, Dallas television station WFAA reported. "I am the long lost heir to the throne," Avezzano joked, according to the station. "Theyve been looking for me in Italy for years. Now theyve found me and Im going back and I will return to Avezzano. And thats going to be part of my travels." Perry Riley Gold Jersey .S. -- Kelsey Rocque remains the only unbeaten womens skip at the Canadian junior curling championships. Ryan Clark Gold Jersey . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1.It appears that due diligence is being done to bring an NFL franchise to Toronto. In a letter received by TSN, members of the citys corporate community are being asked for feedback on the potential of an NFL franchise and stadium in the Greater Toronto Area. The letter, which was sent from CSL International - a sports facility planning and advisory firm based in Texas - states that Toronto is &qquot;at the forefront of potential relocation markets" for the NFL. John Riggins Red Jersey. While the letter also states that no decisions have been made regarding bringing an NFL team to Toronto, it includes a survey to assess how it may provide an "exciting experience for fans and the corporate community alike." The letter did not specify whose interests were being represented. ' ' ' |
