The Dallas City Council unanimously approved a ceremonial renaming of the historic Houston Street Bridge on Wednesday in honor of late Dallas Cowboys legend, civil rights advocate and business leader Pettis Norman.

The more than 100-year-old bridge, which connects downtown Dallas to Oak Cliff, will carry Norman’s name along the stretch between Young Street and Zang Boulevard.

The decision came after a long list of supporters, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe Greene, gathered at Dallas City Hall to honor Norman’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to bringing people together.

Greene, who played opposite Norman in two Super Bowls between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s, said Norman’s contributions beyond football were just as significant as his accomplishments on the field.

“His lifelong process was that – building bridges,” Greene said. “His pedigree is building bridges, metaphorically – helping people that need a passage way.”

Norman’s advocacy began during his playing career with the Cowboys, when he was credited with helping convince legendary coach Tom Landry to stop assigning players to rooms based on race.

After his football career, Norman continued his civil rights work and became a dedicated Dallas business and community leader, advocating for improvements in Dallas ISD and working to strengthen the community.

Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings also recognized Norman’s ability to unite people.

“He brought people together,” Rawlings said.

Brad Sham said the bridge’s ceremonial renaming represents more than a tribute to Norman himself.

“The renaming of the viaduct to the Pettis Norman bridge doesn’t just honor Pettis – it honors Dallas,” Sham said.

Norman died in 2025, and his wife, Ivette Norman, began working earlier this year to secure a lasting tribute to her late husband.

She said the bridge’s new ceremonial name will give future generations an opportunity to learn about the man who dedicated so much of his life to Dallas.

“For the city – I think it’s a constant reminder for generations and generations, when they cross that bridge – if they don’t know who he is – I hope one day – they will ask,” Ivette Norman said.

For Norman’s family and supporters, the City Council’s unanimous approval represents recognition of a legacy built on service, compassion and a commitment to helping others.

“And I think that’s one of the reasons why the community kind of rallied around him – because he really left a mark of just care and love for the community,” Ivette Norman said.

As the historic bridge prepares to carry her husband’s name, Ivette Norman reflected on what the honor would have meant to him.

“It’s just such an honor – Pettis is smiling down,” she said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.