The Cowboys are normally full of excitement in April with the NFL draft taking place. However, sometimes real life surfaces in the world of sports and it certainly has with the Cowboys' organization over the last several days.

Hall of Famer Rayfield "Big Cat" Wright, who played 13 seasons for the Cowboys (1967-1979) and won two Super Bowls, passed away last Thursday at the age of 76. On Monday, the Cowboys suffered another tragedy as former running backs coach Gary Brown died at the age of 52 on Sunday after battling cancer.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared some heartfelt words about his former employee once he got the unfortunate news.

"Gary Brown had a big heart partnered with a big smile and a big personality," said Jones. "His energy and spirit were infectious. He lit up every room he walked into and touched the lives of those who knew him in such a positive way. Everyone who knew him loved him. He meant so much to the players he coached and the coaches he coached with. His love for his family, football, and life was evident each day. He continued to fight, and he never gave up. My family and the Dallas Cowboys family are heartbroken, and our love and support are with his wife, Kim, his daughters, Malena and Dorianna, and his son, Tre."

Brown was hired by the Cowboys in 2013. His impact was felt immediately as running back DeMarco Murray, who played in Dallas for four seasons, ran for 1,121 yards that year. In 2014, Brown's guidance helped Murray lead the NFL with 1,845 yards. Two years, Brown would receive his biggest blessing as a running backs coach.

Great Father, Husband, Coach, and Mentor. Appreciate you and your family more than anything GB… Thank you for teaching me the way on the field and in life. Appreciate you Gary Brown. ??

— DeMarco Murray (@DeMarcoMurray) April 11, 2022

Ezekiel Elliott was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft. Much like he did with Murray, Brown poured his knowledge into Elliott, and it led to the rookie leading the league in rushing with 1,631 yards. Elliott would lead the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2017 at 98.3 but didn't win the rushing title due to a six-game suspension.

Brown got Elliott back to his elite ways in 2018 as the former Ohio State Buckeye won his second rushing crown in three seasons with 1,434 yards. Brown would coach one more season with the Cowboys before health issues started to take over.

In early 2020, Brown was diagnosed with cancer after a malignant tumor was found near his pancreas. Brown joined the coaching staff of the Wisconsin Badgers in 2021 but was unable to attend the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State last December and was under hospice care until his death.

Brown wasn't a stranger to this fight. He was first diagnosed with cancer during his time as the running backs coach for the Cleveland Browns (2009-2012). After surgery and chemotherapy, Brown won his fight and prolonged his life for another decade.

Although he was only with Wisconsin for one season, Brown left his fingerprints on the program, as he as coach Paul Chryst explained.

"Though he was only on our staff for a year he had a profound impact on our players and our program," Chryst said. "We are all better people for having known Gary. He was a tremendous person, a terrific coach and a joy to be around. He had great energy and passion for life and that showed every day."

Braelon Allen, who was recruited as a defensive player by the Badgers, transitioned to running back and led the team with 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 on route to garnering Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Allen credits his growth into a new position to the teachings of Brown.

"Everything I did was really because of him," Allen said. "When I came in, I didn't know the first thing about really playing running back. I just kind of knew how to run the ball. My growth from fall camp to the end of the season was crazy. All the credit is due to him."

Brown's time in the NFL began over 30 years ago as a player. He was drafted in the eighth round of the 1991 draft by the Houston Oilers where he played for five seasons. Brown ran for 1,002 yards in 1993.

After his time with the Oilers, Brown didn't play in 1996. He made his return with the San Diego Chargers in 1997 and ran for 945 yards. Brown would then play his last two seasons in the NFL for the New York Giants and reached the 1,000-yard plateau again in 1998 (1,063).

Brown left this world way too soon, but his impact has spread throughout many lives which will keep his legacy going.

Feature image via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports