It's no question that the Dallas Cowboys are one of the biggest and most successful franchises in the history of the NFL. This legacy of was built by the franchise since the 1960s when they first joined the league as an expansion team. In this long and decorated history in the NFL, they've had quite the roster of shining stars that brought home the glory for the Cowboys time and time again. Here are five of the biggest legends in Cowboys history, and it was difficult to pick just five given the rich history.
5. Randy White (DT, 1975-1988)
The defensive tackle broke out in the 1977 season and earned his first of nine selections to the All-Pro team and made his first of nine Pro Bowl appearances. He was also named the co-MVP of Super Bowl XII.
White enjoyed an outstanding 14-year career with the Cowboys and cemented himself as one of the best defensive tackles to ever play for Dallas. He was named to the Dallas Cowboys' Ring of Honor in 1994 and was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
4. Tony Dorsett (RB, 1977-1987)
Tony Dorsett immediately proved to the Cowboys he was worthy of the second overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft. The running back rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in his rookie season. He set a Cowboys rookie record by going over 1,000 yards on the ground — a record he would keep for almost four decades.
A four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the All-Pro team in 1981, Dorsett was an elite offensive weapon for the Cowboys in his 11-year career with the club.
3. Troy Aikman (QB, 1989-2000)
Quarterback Troy Aikman had a flop of a year when he entered the league in 1989 as the Cowboys' first overall pick. After losing his first 11 starts for the team, the California native turned things around and ended up as a six-time Pro Bowler for the Cowboys, and he also won three Super Bowl rings and a Super Bowl MVP trophy in 1992.
Aikman showed he was one of the the most reliable quarterbacks in Cowboys history, playing 12 consecutive seasons as the main signal-caller. He ended his career with the Cowboys as the franchise's all-time leading passer with 32,942 yards.
2. Emmitt Smith (RB, 1990-2002)
When you talk about Cowboys legends, you can't not mention running back Emmitt Smith. Smith played 201 games with the Cowboys from 1990-2002 and set the league's all-time rushing record in 2002. He is also the squad's all-time leading scorer at 986 points with a total of 164 total touchdowns under his name.
Smith was key to the Cowboys' dominance in the '90s, winning three Super Bowls as well as grabbing the Super Bowl MVP trophy in Super Bowl XXVIII. Smith's 162 Career AV is the most for Dallas and earned him a spot both in the franchise's Ring of Honor (2005) as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010).
1. Roger Staubach (QB, 1969-1979)
Last but definitely not least is legendary quarterback Roger Staubach, who's our biggest legend in Cowboys history. “Captain America” played 11 seasons for Dallas and brought home two Super Bowl trophies in 1971 and 1977. The former US Navy officer had an incredible 85-29 record in his professional career for Dallas and logged in a 83.4 career passer rating, being the league's leading passer in four seasons.
As much as he meant to the Cowboys as their main quarterback, his off-field efforts were even more impressive. He was named NFL's Man of the Year in 1978 before hanging up his cleats in 1979.
Follow Us
Subscribe