Drafted in the seventh round of the 1967 NFL Draft out of Fort Valley State, Rayfield Wright, the versatile athlete, spent his first three years in Dallas as a utility player—taking snaps at offensive tackle and tight end, and even filling in at defensive tackle. His career trajectory changed in 1970 when Tom Landry permanently installed him as the starting right tackle. "Big Cat" immediately blossomed, using his long arms, nimble footwork, and tight-end athleticism to redefine the standard for modern offensive tackles.

Settling in on the right side of the line, Wright established himself as an elite pass protector and a dominant run blocker. From 1971 through 1976, he earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections, including three straight First-Team All-Pro nods from 1971 to 1973. Wright became the primary edge protector for Roger Staubach, routinely shutting down the era’s premier defensive ends and opening huge lanes for the Cowboys' multifaceted rushing attack.

His role on the offensive line was fundamental to the franchise's successful decade. Wright played in five Super Bowls, contributing to the Cowboys’ victories in Super Bowl VI and XII. His uncommon agility in open space enabled Landry to design creative sweep plays, and his strong pass-blocking gave the offense the time to execute deep, vertical routes.

Though he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after his 1980 release, Wright never appeared in a game for them, keeping his entire playing career anchored in Dallas.

Wright played 166 games across 13 seasons in Big D (1967–1979), made the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.