PLANO, Texas (AP) -- Mark Tuinei, a star offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys in the mid-1990s, died today at a hospital, an official said Thursday. Tuinei was 39.
Tuinei, a two-time Pro-Bowler at left tackle, arrived at Medical Center of Plano at 6:20 a.m. and later died."It's unknown causes pending the medical examiner's report," according to a statement from hospital spokeswoman Caroline Lemelin.
Tuinei played 15 years for the Cowboys before he was released in April 1998 in a cost-cutting move. Tuinei had played only six games in the 1997 season because of a sprained left knee and surgery to repair degenerating bone in his right knee. He had knee problems for years.
Tuinei reportedly spent Wednesday night with friends and was passed out when he arrived home so friends left him in his car, sources told Dallas TV station WFAA.
Tuinei came to the Cowboys in 1983 as a free agent from Hawaii, caught the attention of then-coach Tom Landry and played 10 games on defense. He moved to offense in 1985 and became a full-time starter in 1987.
He played in the Pro Bowl after the 1994 and 1995 seasons.
Tuinei, 6-foot-5, played left tackle for more than a decade -- a crucial position, keeping opposing defensive lineman from sacking Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. He played on three Super Bowl championship teams.
Tuinei was a major cog in an offensive line generally considered the best in the NFL in the mid-'90s, during the Cowboys' most-recent Super Bowl years. The line was among the best in allowing fewest sacks, and it also opened holes for Pro Bowl running back Emmitt Smith.