Former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt.Photo:AP Photo/Ron Schwane

Former executive Gil Brandt poses during induction ceremonies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019

AP Photo/Ron Schwane

The NFL mourns the loss ofDallas Cowboys' beloved scout and former executive, Gil Brandt.

The Cowboys organization confirmed in astatementthat Brandt died at age 91 on Thursday morning. No cause of death was given at the time.

Jones, 80, said Brandt was “at the very core of the early success of the Dallas Cowboys” and praised his “decades” of serving as a “great ambassador for the organization” during his time with the team.

Brandt worked with the Cowboys during their inaugural season in 1960 until 1988, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, according toNBC.

Gil Brandt, former executive of the Dallas Cowboys, looks on from the field during a Dec. 1985 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.George Gojkovich/Getty

Vice President of Player Personnel Gil Brandt of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on December 8, 1985

George Gojkovich/Getty

Jones' statement continued, “He was my friend and a mentor not only to me, but to countless executives, coaches, players and broadcasters across the National Football League, which rightfully earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame where his legacy will be celebrated forever.”

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Brandt was “as good a storyteller as it gets, with a memory as sharp as a tack,” according to Jones, who admired his “dedication” and “passion” for football.

“There are very few people that have been able to have the kind of generational impact that he did. Gil was as dedicated to growing this league and sport as anyone ever was, and we are all grateful and better for it,” Jones said in the statement.

source: people.com