50 Dallas Cowboy Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

Updated on:

50 Dallas Cowboy Best Players

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic teams in all of professional football, representing the city of Dallas and its surrounding area. Founded in 1960 as an expansion team to join the National Football League (NFL), they have since become synonymous with success both on and off the field.

With five Super Bowl championships under their belt, along with numerous Hall-of-Famers such as Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, it is no wonder why so many people across America consider themselves fans of “America’s Team.” The team plays its home games at AT&T Stadium located in Arlington, Texas where they continue to draw a large crowd every week despite having some down years recently.

Whether you love them or hate them there is no denying that when it comes to sports franchises there are few rivaling what this organization has accomplished over its long history.

Table of Contents

1. Emmitt Smith

Running back

Emmitt Smith Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • Super Bowl MVP (XXVIII)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1993)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1990)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1992–1995)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1996)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (1990–1995, 1998, 1999)
  • 4× NFL rushing yards leader (1991–1993, 1995)
  • 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1992, 1994-1995)
  • NFL scoring leader (1995)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1990)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Bert Bell Award (1993)
  • SEC Most Valuable Player (1989)
  • Unanimous All-American (1989)
  • 3× First-team All-SEC (1987–1989)
  • Florida Football Ring of Honor

Emmitt Smith was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002. He is fifth all-time in NFL rushing yards and seventh all-time in NFL touchdowns.

Emmitt Smith has two Super Bowl rings, one with the Dallas Cowboys (1990) and one with the Arizona Cardinals (2003). In February 2004, Smith announced his retirement from professional football after 10 seasons.

Emmit now works as an analyst on Fox Sports 1's "NFL Total Access". On October 18th, 2010, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio alongside former Cowboy teammate Michael Irvin. Emmitt currently resides in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Emmitt Smith is one of the most successful running backs in NFL history. He has won three Super Bowls and was MVP of the game in XXVIII. Emmitt was a unanimous All-American selection as a freshman at Florida State and led the Seminoles to two SEC titles before entering the NFL draft.

After being drafted by Dallas, Emmit became an instant superstar, leading them to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances (XXVII, XXVIII) and winning XXX on his way to becoming one of the greatest players in league history.

Also Played For: dallas cowboys, florida gators football

2. Roger Staubach

Quarterback

Roger Staubach Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • Super Bowl MVP (VI)
  • NFL Man of the Year (1978)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1971)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1971, 1975–1979)
  • NFL passing touchdowns leader (1973)
  • 4× NFL passer rating leader (1971, 1973, 1978, 1979)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Bert Bell Award (1971)
  • George Halas Award (1980)
  • Lamar Hunt Award (2012)
  • Heisman Trophy (1963)
  • Maxwell Award (1963)
  • Chic Harley Award (1963)
  • UPI Player of the Year (1963)
  • Sporting News Player of the Year (1963)
  • Unanimous All-American (1963)
  • Navy Midshipmen No. 12 retired

Staubach was a Hall of Fame quarterback who played in the NFL and AFL. Staubach led both leagues in passing yards several times and is one of only two players to have won three Super Bowls as a player (the other being Tom Brady).

Staubach also starred for the Dallas Cowboys, winning five division titles and two Super Bowls during his time with the team. Staubach remains active as an analyst for TV broadcasts and has served as a spokesman for various charities over the years.

Staubach was a star quarterback at the Navy and then played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 to 1979. Staubach led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships, earning MVP honors in both games. 

He also won several awards during his time with the team, including NFL Man of the Year in 1978 and Second-team All-Pro status seven times.

Staubach is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, ranking fourth all-time in passing touchdowns and seventh in passer rating among players with at least 1,000 attempts. He retired after leading Dallas to their fifth Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh Steelers.

Also Played For: college football, heisman trophy nfl

3. Randy White

Defensive lineman

Randy White Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • Super Bowl co-MVP (XII)
  • 7× First-team All-Pro (1978, 1979, 1981–1985)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1980)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1977–1985)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1975)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • 2× First-team All-American (1973, 1974)
  • Lombardi Award (1974)
  • Outland Trophy (1974)
  • ACC Player of the Year (1974)
  • UPI Lineman of the Year (1974)

Randy White was a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1988. During his time in the NFL, White won two Super Bowls (1978 and 1981) and was named an All-Pro nine times.

After retiring as a player, White served as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1989 to 1993. He later worked as a color commentator on Fox Sports' college football broadcasts.

White is also known for his outspokenness, which has led him into several public disputes with other athletes over issues such as race relations and homophobia in sports leagues White was a seven-time First-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection in his NFL career.

White played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1977 to 1985, winning two Super Bowls with the team. He was named ACC Player of the Year in 1974 and won numerous accolades during his playing days, including being awarded the Lombardi Award in 1974. 

After retiring as a player, White became an analyst on Fox Sports' college football coverage and later served as head coach at Southern Methodist University (SMU) before passing away in 2009 at the age of 60 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

4. Bob Lilly

Defensive tackle

Bob Lilly Career

  • Super Bowl champion (VI)
  • 7× First-team All-Pro (1964–1969, 1971)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1970, 1972)
  • 11× Pro Bowl (1962, 1964–1973)
  • NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Consensus All-American (1960)
  • 2× All-SWC (1959, 1960)

Bob Lilly was a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1961-1974. He won two Super Bowls with the team and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lilly grew up in Oregon and played college football at TCU before being drafted by the Cowboys.

His 14 AFL draft picks are second most all-time behind only Jerry Rice's 19 selections. After retiring as a player, Lilly became an NFL coach, serving as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (1975–1977) and Kansas City Chiefs (1978–1981). 

In 1988, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but continued to work until his death on January 17th, 2018 at 83 years old Bob Lilly was an All-Pro linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s and 1970s.

He was a consensus first-team All-American in 1960, and he helped lead SMU to two Southwest Conference championships during his career. After retiring from football, Lilly became an NFL assistant coach for several years before also becoming a television analyst. 

In 2017, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2017.

Also Played For: tcu horned frogs football

5. Michael Irvin

Wide receiver

Michael Irvin Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • First-team All-Pro (1991)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1991–1995)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (1991)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • National champion (1987)
  • First-team All-American (1986)
  • Second-team All-American (1987)

Irvin was a prolific wide receiver in the NFL and is considered one of the best players to ever play the game. He led Dallas to two Super Bowl victories and won several awards, including three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1992-1994.

Irvin also played for the Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2002) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003). His last season was with the New York Giants in 2004. In 2013, he announced his retirement after 15 seasons in professional football. 

Irvin was a 3x Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and is one of the most decorated players in NFL history.

He was also a 2x Second-team All-Pro and 5x Pro Bowler and led the league in receiving yards twice during his career. Irvin is also a member of both the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and the National Champion 1987 Oklahoma team, which won an undefeated season under head coach Barry Switzer.

6. Tony Dorsett

Running back

Tony Dorsett Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1977)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1977)
  • First-team All-Pro (1981)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1982, 1983)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1978, 1981–1983)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • National champion (1976)
  • Heisman Trophy (1976)
  • Maxwell Award (1976)
  • Walter Camp Award (1976)
  • 3× First-team All-American (1973, 1975, 1976)
  • Pittsburgh Panthers No. 33 retired

Tony Dorsett was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Dorsett is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys (1980 and 1981) and a one-time champion with the Broncos (1988).

As a Cowboy, he led the league in rushing yards three times (1978, 1979, 1980). His career average of 1,876 rushing yards ranks fourth all-time behind only Jim Brown, Thurman Thomas, and Walter Payton among running backs with at least 2,000 career carries. 

In 1985 he founded "Tony's Kids Foundation" to help disadvantaged youth throughout the North Texas area Tony Dorsett was a Hall of Fame running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1977 to 1983.

He is perhaps best known for his record-breaking 99-yard rushing touchdown in Super Bowl XII and his two Second-team All Pro Awards. Tony Dorsett also starred at Pittsburgh, where he won three First Team All-American Awards and helped lead the Panthers to their first National Championship in 1976. 

After retiring from football, Tony Dorsett went on to have a successful career as an actor and entrepreneur.

Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football

7. Troy Aikman

Quarterback

Troy Aikman Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • Super Bowl MVP (XXVII)
  • NFL Man of the Year (1997)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1991–1996)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (1993)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • National champion (1985)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (1988)
  • Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (1987)
  • Cotton Bowl MVP (1989)
  • Consensus All-American (1988)
  • UCLA Bruins No. 8 retired

Troy Aikman was a popular quarterback in the NFL for over 20 years. He retired from playing in 2000 but continues to work as an analyst for Fox Sports.

Troy Aikman was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, CA, and attended Henryetta High School before going on to play college football at Oklahoma and UCLA.

After being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, he quickly became one of the most successful quarterbacks in league history.

His career ended with a Super Bowl victory in 1998. Following his retirement from playing football, Troy Aikman has continued to work as an analyst for Fox Sports; most recently

 appearing alongside Charles Barkley during their coverage of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship Final game between Duke and Kansas State this year (2018).

In addition to his work as an analyst, Troy Aikman is also involved with various philanthropic causes – most notably helping raise money for cancer research through The American Cancer Society’s “Light Up Night” initiative each December since 2010. 

Troy Aikman was one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, compiling a record of 169-92-2 with three Super Bowl championships.

He began his career with the Dallas Cowboys and led them to six Pro Bowl appearances and two NFL completion percentage titles. 

In 1988, he became the first UCLA player ever selected as an All-American and was also awarded the Davey O'Brien Award as college football's best quarterback that year. After retiring from playing in 1999. 

Troy Aikman became an analyst for Fox Sports1 and served as a color commentator for their broadcasts of the University of Texas Football games until early 2017 when he retired due to health concerns related to Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

Also Played For: nfl europe

8. Larry Allen

Guard

Larry Allen Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXX)
  • 7× First-team All-Pro (1995–2001)
  • 11× Pro Bowl (1995–2001, 2003–2006)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1994)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor

Larry Allen was a guard for the Dallas Cowboys from 1994-2005. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006, but only played one season there before retiring at the end of 2007.

Allen has been involved in various business ventures outside of football since his retirement, including owning a car dealership and being an analyst for Fox Sports. Larry Allen is currently 51 years old and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

Allen was an all-pro lineman for the Dallas Cowboys from 1995 to 2001. Allen is a two-time Super Bowl champion and an 11-time Pro Bowler. Allen played his entire career with the Cowboys, where he helped lead them to their first-ever championship in 1995. 

After retiring from professional football, Allen opened up his own business which helps children learn how to play sports safely.

In 2016, Allen was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor as well as the PFWA All-Rookie Team and NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

9. Jason Witten

Tight end

Jason Witten Career

  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2012)
  • 11× Pro Bowl (2004–2010, 2012–2014, 2017)
  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2012)
  • Bart Starr Award (2013)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2003)
  • First-team All-SEC (2002)
  • Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2019)

Jason Witten is a veteran tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the team in 2003 and played with them until 2017. In 2019, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jason Witten is well-known for his blocking abilities and has been a mainstay on the Cowboys' offense over the years. He finished as Dallas' all-time leading receiver in both yards (13,742) and touchdowns (88).

Despite being 39 years old, Jason Witten still possesses great athleticism which helps him get open downfield oftentimes. His toughness also makes him an asset to any team on special teams units. 

Jason Witten's biggest strength may be his relationship with quarterbacks - he has started 141 games during his career and developed strong connections with several of the league's top signal callers including Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins, Cam Newton, and Ben Roethlisberger among others.

Jason Witten will likely retire after this season but if not he could potentially continue playing into his 40s due to his durability and elite skills at blocking receivers one-on-one Jason Witten is a former tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and was selected to 11 Pro Bowls. 

He also won several awards, including being named NFL Man of the Year in 2012 and receiving the Bart Starr Award in 2013. Jason retired from football after 16 seasons with the Cowboys in 2014 but has since come out of retirement to play for the XFL's Oklahoma City Thunder.

10. DeMarcus Ware

Defensive end

DeMarcus Ware Career

  • Super Bowl champion (50)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (2007–2009, 2011)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (2006, 2010, 2012)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (2006–2012, 2014, 2015)
  • 2× NFL sacks leader (2008, 2010)
  • 2× Butkus Award (pro) (2008, 2011)
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • 2× All-Sun Belt (2003, 2004)
  • Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year (2003)

Ware is a veteran player who has played in the NFL for 10 years. Ware was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 and spent four seasons with them before moving to Denver in 2014.

In his ten-year career, Ware has accumulated over 1,000 tackles and 50 sacks. He is known for being an aggressive linebacker who can generate a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

DeMarcus Ware is a three-time Second Team All-Pro and Super Bowl champion. He was the NFL sacks leader for two seasons and led the league in that category for four consecutive years. DeMarcus Ware is also a Butkus Award winner, as well as an all-decade player of the 2000s.

In 2017, he signed with the Denver Broncos on a one-year contract worth $17 million dollars before retiring at the season's end due to an injury.

11. Rayfield Wright

Tackle

Rayfield Wright Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1971–1973)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1974–1976)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1971–1976)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor

Rayfield Wright was an offensive tackle who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He had a lengthy career, playing until 1979 with the Cowboys and 1980 with the Eagles.

Wright was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame after his successful football career. He died in April 2022 at age 76 after battling Alzheimer's Disease for many years.

Wright was one of the most dominant defensive players in Cowboys' history. He won two Super Bowls with Dallas and was a six-time Pro Bowler. Wright is also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and received the 1970s All-Decade Team recognition from NFL analysts.

Rayfield Wright will always be remembered for his toughness on the field, as he recovered four fumbles during his 16 seasons in the NFL.

12. Drew Pearson

Wide receiver

Drew Pearson Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1974, 1976, 1977)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1974, 1976, 1977)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (1977)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor

Drew Pearson is best known as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973-1983. He was an All-Pro selection in 1977 and 1978 and led the NFL with 1,521 receiving yards in 1981.

After retiring as a player, Pearson served as assistant head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1994 to 1997 before joining ESPN as a commentator in 1998. Drew Pearson was one of the most productive and consistent wide receivers in NFL history.

He caught more than 1,000 passes for 10 consecutive seasons and finished his career with 153 touchdown receptions. 

Pearson played for six different teams during his 13-year career, including the Dallas Cowboys (1974–1979), Houston Oilers (1980–1982), Philadelphia Eagles (1983–1985), San Francisco 49ers (1986), and Detroit Lions (1987).

After retiring as a player, Pearson served as wide receivers coach with the Cowboys from 1985 to 1988 and then became head coach of the Texans in 1989. He led the team to two playoff appearances but failed to win a single game in his three seasons at the helm.

13. Tony Romo

Quarterback

Tony Romo Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (2014)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014)
  • NFL passer rating leader (2014)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (2014)
  • Walter Payton Award (2002)
  • 3× OVC Player of the Year (2000–2002)
  • 3× First-team All-OVC (2000–2002)
  • Eastern Illinois Panthers No. 17 retired

Tony Romo was born on April 21, 1980, in San Diego, California. Tony Romo attended Burlington High School in Wisconsin and played football there before transferring to Eastern Illinois.

After two seasons at Eastern Illinois, Romo was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. He spent nine years with the team before retiring at the end of the 2016 season. 

Tony Romo has had a successful career as a quarterback for both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, amassing over 4800 passing yards and 35 touchdowns during his NFL career.

In addition to his professional football career, Tony is also known for his work as an analyst for Fox Sports 1's "NFL Sunday pregame show" alongside Troy Aikman and Joe Buck from 2007-2016 (Aikman retired after the 2015 season). 

Tony married Candice Crawford in 2010 and they have three daughters together: Presley Faith (born 2012), Harper Lauren (born 2015), and Lillie Belle (born 2017).

Romo is a three-time OVC Player of the Year and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. Romo has played in four Pro Bowls and led the NFL with a passer rating of 97.1 in 2014. 

He also holds several records, including the most TD–INT combos (248), most games with at least 300 yards passing (46), and the fewest interceptions thrown (117). 

In November 2016, Romo announced his retirement from professional football after 16 seasons as one of America's favorite quarterbacks.

14. Mel Renfro

Mel Renfro Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1965, 1969, 1972)
  • 10× Pro Bowl (1964–1973)
  • NFL interceptions leader (1969)
  • NFL kickoff return yards leader (1964)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Consensus All-American (1962)
  • Second-team All-American (1963)

Renfro was a standout cornerback at Oregon, and he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1964. He played for the Cowboys for 11 seasons, before joining the AFL's Buffalo Bills in 1977.

Renfro is best known for his performance in Super Bowl V, where he recorded an interception that led to a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Renfro retired from football after the 1978 season, and he has since worked as a commentator on NFL games.

Renfro was a two-time Super Bowl champion and ten-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys. He was an All-American at Ohio State, where he teamed up with Chuck Noll to form one of the most dominant defenses in college football history. 

Renfro entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 1964, but his tenure there was short-lived. He made his mark on defense for the Cowboys after being traded to them in 1969, becoming one of their all-time greats and leading the team to its only two championships (VI, XII). 

In 1973, Renfro retired from professional football following a disappointing performance by Dallas in that year's playoffs; however, he later returned to play for Arizona Cardinals before retiring for good in 1977 at age 40.

After retirement from playing football, Renfro became a television analyst and served as a color commentator for several NCAA Division I Football Championships games between 1984 and 1990; furthermore.

He also worked as an NBA broadcaster during preseason telecasts from 1994 until 1999 when Alzheimer's Disease forced him into early retirement again aged 67 years old. 

Renfro died peacefully on January 10th, 2019 at age 83 after spending many days surrounded by family and friends enjoying life's simple pleasures including fishing trips along Lake Erie.

15. Deion Sanders

Defensive back

Deion Sanders Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXIX, XXX)
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1994)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1996–1998)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1999)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (1991–1994, 1996–1999)
  • NFL kickoff return yards leader (1992)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
  • Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor
  • Jim Thorpe Award (1988)
  • 2× Unanimous All-American (1987, 1988)
  • Florida State Seminoles Jersey No. 2 honored

Deion Sanders was a professional football player for 14 seasons, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. He is best known for his time with the 49ers, where he won five Super Bowls (1995-98, 2001).

After leaving the NFL in 1999, Sanders spent several years as a commentator on ESPN's SportsCenter before returning to coaching in 2013. In 2015 he took over as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Deion Sanders was an accomplished NFL player and coach.

He is best known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, where he won two Super Bowls. After retiring from playing in 2000, Sanders served as a head coach at Prime Prep Academy in California for one season before moving on to Triple A Academy in Texas. 

There he led the team to a state championship and was named Coach of the Year. In 2017, Sanders became the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Texas after spending three years as head coach of Jackson State University (MS). 

As of 2019, Sanders holds the distinction of being both a head coach and offensive coordinator in both college football and professional football leagues - the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL).

16. Darren Woodson

Safety

Darren Woodson Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1994–1996, 1998)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1994–1998)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • Bart Starr Award (2002)

Darren Woodson played safety for the Dallas Cowboys from 1992 to 2004. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was selected to five consecutive All-Pro teams, as well as being named First Team All-NFL in 2001 and 2003.

In 2002, he became the first player in NFL history with 1,000 career tackles and 10 interceptions. After retiring from football, Woodson worked as a broadcaster for Fox Sports Southwest until his retirement in 2018.

Darren Woodson is a former NFL cornerback and three-time Super Bowl champion. He was named First-team All-Pro in 1994, 1998, and 2000. In 2002, he won the Bart Starr Award as the best player on the Dallas Cowboys that year.

Darren Woodson finished his career with 1,350 tackles, 23 interceptions (second all-time), 2 touchdowns (tied for third all-time), 17 forced fumbles (third all-time), 11 fumble recoveries (fourth all-time), and 11 quarterback sacks (seventh all-time).

Also Played For: arizona state sun devils football

17. Nate Newton

Guard

Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1994, 1995)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1992–1996, 1998)
  • USFL All-Time Team
  • First-team All-MEAC (1980)

Nate Newton was a guard for the Washington Redskins from 1983 to 1998. He played for the Tampa Bay Bandits, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers during his career.

Newton is considered one of the best guards in NFL history and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame. Nate Newton is a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time first-team All-Pro.

He was a member of the USFL's all-time team and played in six Pro Bowls. His NFL career numbers include 198 games played, 180 starts, 5 fumble recoveries and 1 interception returned for a touchdown.

18. Daryl Johnston

Running back

Daryl Johnston Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1993, 1994)
  • All-American (1988)
  • All-Big East (1988)

Daryl Johnston is an NFL executive and a former player. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 and spent nine seasons with the team. Johnston then had a successful career as an executive with other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (2000–2002), Baltimore Ravens (2003), St Louis Rams (2004), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005).

In 2006, he joined the United States Football League as EVP of Football Operations for its inaugural season. The USFL folded after one year of operation but Johnston has since resumed his career in football administration.

Most recently serving as VP of Player Personnel for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2017. Daryl Johnston is a retired professional football player who played for the San Antonio Commanders and Dallas Renegades.

He was a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) and a two-time Pro Bowler. Johnston also received All-American honors from both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Big East Conference while playing at Syracuse University in 1988. 

After his retirement from football, Daryl currently serves as Director of Player Personnel for the United States Football League (USFL).

Also Played For: syracuse orange football

19. Danny White

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1982)
  • Pro Bowl (1982)
  • WAC Offensive Player of the Year (1973)
  • All-WFL (1975)
  • WFL All-Time Team
  • Arizona State Sun Devils #11 retired

Danny White is a three-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1976 to 1988. He was inducted into the Arizona State Hall of Fame in 2001, and his jersey number 11 was retired by the Cowboys in 1998.

White also served as an assistant coach with both Memphis (1995–1996) and Dallas (1997–1998). In 2003, he became quarterbacks coach for the St. Louis Rams but resigned after one season due to differences with head coach Mike Martz. 

White then spent two seasons as offensive coordinator at Indianapolis before being fired in 2007 following a 1-15 season that resulted in him losing his job security; Colts owner Jim Irsay said "it's time we move on".

After spending 2009 out of coaching altogether, he rejoined St . Louis' staff under new head coach Jeff Fisher as passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach; this position he held until January 2013 when. Fisher was dismissed after another poor performance by their QBs led to speculation about the Whites' future with the team again. 

He was the head coach of the Arizona Rattlers from 1992-2004 and the Utah Blaze from 2006-2008. He led both teams to ArenaBowl appearances, with his first win coming in VIII against the Tampa Bay Storm.

White has a career NFL record of 97–143 (.410). During his three seasons as head coach of the Blaze, he compiled a 17–28 record (.469).

Also Played For: arena football

20. Don Meredith

Quarterback

Don Meredith Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (1966)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1966–1968)
  • Bert Bell Award (1966)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • SMU Mustangs jersey number 17 honored

Meredith played quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-1972. He led the team to its first championship in 1966 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

Meredith also had a successful career in the AFL with the Houston Oilers, winning two championships (1965, 1967). After retiring from football, Meredith worked as an ESPN broadcaster until his death in 2010 at age 72.

Don Meredith was one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history and helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowls. He played for SMU from 1959-1962 and then finished his career with the Detroit Lions from 1963-1968.

Meredith is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as being inducted into numerous other hallowed halls such as The Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

The Oklahoma State University Sportswriters Association Hall Of Fame, Memphis Touchdown Club’s “Hall Of Greatness”, The American Legion Post #246 In Arlington Texas’ “Texas Legends Class” and more.

His son Donnie also became a successful professional football player after playing linebacker for nine seasons with four different teams including three years with the Dallas Cowboys (1990–1993).

Also Played For: smu mustangs

21. Zack Martin

Guard

Zack Martin Career

  • 5× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2015, 2017)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (2014–2019, 2021, 2022)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • Second-team All-American (2012)
  • 2013 Pinstripe Bowl MVP

Zack Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played for the Dallas Cowboys since then and is a regular starter on their offensive line.

Zack Martin has been described as an extremely reliable player who always puts his team first. His accolades include two Pro Bowl appearances (2015, 2017) and being named First-Team All-Pro twice (2014, 2016).

Zack Martin is an All-Pro center for the Dallas Cowboys and a three-time First-team All-Pro. He played college football at Notre Dame where he was a unanimous first-team All-American as well as the winner of both the Morris Trophy and Lombardi Award.

Zack Martin has started 131 games in his NFL career, all with the Dallas Cowboys, since being drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft.

Also Played For: madden nfl 18, madden nfl 20

22. Dak Prescott

Quarterback

Dak Prescott Career

  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2016)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2018)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
  • 2× First-team All-SEC (2014, 2015)

Dak Prescott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. He has played for the Cowboys since 2016 and is currently an active player on their roster.

Dak Prescott has been a starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys throughout his career, and he's won two Super Bowls with them as well as numerous other awards and accolades.

Dak Prescott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 and became their starting quarterback that season. He led his team to a 12-4 record, winning the NFC East and making it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

In 2017, he led his team to another 12-4 record, becoming only the fourth player ever (and youngest) to do so as a rookie QB. This year, Dak Prescott led Dallas all the way to an improbable victory over New England in Super Bowl LI, breaking numerous NFL records along the way en route.

Also Played For: fantasy playoff, nfl playoff

23. Trevon Diggs

Cornerback

Trevon Diggs Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2021)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
  • NFL interceptions leader (2021)
  • CFP national champion (2018)
  • Third-team All-American (2019)
  • First-team All-SEC (2019)

At 24 years old, Trevon Diggs is already a veteran in the NFL. He has played for four teams since being drafted in 2020 and has made an impact on each squad he's been with.

Standing at 6 ft 1in (1.85 m), Diggs is a physical corner who can compete with any receiver out there. His size and strength are some of his biggest assets as a cornerback and make him difficult to beat one-on-one.

Diggs started his career at Alabama before transferring to Minnesota after two seasons with the Crimson Tide, where he won SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2016. 

The Dallas Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and have been very pleased with his play thus far - making him a likely candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors come season end.

Trevon Diggs is a versatile and dynamic cornerback who has excelled in both man and zone coverage. He was selected to the first-team All-Pro by the NFLPA in 2021, becoming just the second player in franchise history to earn that honor. 

In 2018, Diggs led all players with six interceptions as Minnesota made its return to the NFC Championship Game. A two-time CFP national champion (2018, 2019), Diggs helped lead Alabama to an undefeated season as a senior in 2017 before being drafted by Minnesota as the 19th overall pick of that year's draft.

24. CeeDee Lamb

Wide receiver

CeeDee Lamb Career

  • 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
  • Consensus All-American (2019)
  • First-team All-Big 12 (2019)
  • Second-team All-Big 12 (2018)

Lamb was a standout receiver at Foster High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Lamb played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and caught 54 passes for 847 yards and six touchdowns during his three-year career.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Lamb with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Lamb has appeared in 28 games (23 starts) over two seasons with the Cowboys, recording 234 receptions for 3,023 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Lamb was a two-time Pro Bowler and First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2019. Lamb burst onto the scene as a freshman at Oklahoma State, catching 82 passes for 1,363 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

The 6'1", 205-pound receiver has continued to produce throughout his career with the Cowboys, amassing 244 receptions for 3,244 yards and 21 touchdowns in eight seasons with OSU.

Lamb is likely headed for the NFL after this season where he will be an intriguing option as a possession receiver on offense or punt returner on special teams.

Also Played For: oklahoma sooners football, nfl preseason

25. Micah Parsons

Linebacker

Micah Parsons Career

  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021)
  • First-team All-Pro (2021)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
  • Butkus Award (pro) (2021)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021)
  • Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year (2019)
  • Consensus All-American (2019)
  • First-team Freshman All-American (2018)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (2019)

Micah Parsons was a standout linebacker at Penn State and was taken by the Dallas Cowboys with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Parsons will join a Cowboy defense that is already stacked with talent, including stars such as Demarcus Lawrence, Leighton Vander Esch, and DeMarcus Lawrence.

The 23-year-old should have an immediate impact on Dallas' defense and look to help take their team to new heights in the years to come.

Micah Parsons was a consensus All-American and First-team Freshman All-American in 2018. He led the nation with 147 tackles, 26 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown during his sophomore season.

Micah Parsons is one of only two linebackers to be named first-team all-pro twice (2021, 2022) and he won the Butkus Award in 2021 for being the best linebacker in football.

26. Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker Career

  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1988)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988)
  • National champion (1980)
  • Heisman Trophy (1982)
  • Maxwell Award (1982)
  • Walter Camp Award (1982)
  • UPI College Football Player of the Year (1982)
  • 3× SEC Player of the Year (1980–1982)
  • 3× Unanimous All-American (1980–1982)
  • 3× First-team All-SEC (1980–1982)
  • Georgia Bulldogs No. 34 retired

Walker was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He led the league in rushing yards three times and also had over 1,000 yards receiving twice.

Walker played for four different teams during his career, including a stint with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. After retiring from football, Walker worked as an analyst on ESPN's "Monday Night Football".

In 2013, Walker announced that he has Parkinson's disease and will not be playing professional football anymore due to safety concerns related to his condition Walker was a dominant collegiate running back who led Georgia to three SEC championships and Heisman Trophy victories.

After two lackluster seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Walker went on to have one of the greatest pro careers in NFL history, rushing for over 8,000 yards and winning two Super Bowls. 

Walker remains one of the most celebrated players in league history, and his influence on modern-day running backs is apparent everywhere from college football broadcasts to commercials.

Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football

27. Terrell Owens

Wide receiver

Terrell Owens Career

  • San Francisco 49ers (1996–2003)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2004–2005)
  • Dallas Cowboys (2006–2008)
  • Buffalo Bills (2009)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (2010)
  • Allen Wranglers (2012)
  • Seattle Seahawks (2012)*
  • FCF Zappers (2022)
  • Knights of Degen (2022–present)

Owens was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers. Owens spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, and eventually retired from the NFL in 2008 after playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

Owens is most well known for his record-breaking seasons with the San Francisco 49ers; he holds numerous franchise records including receptions (946), receiving yards (15,091), and touchdowns (101). 

After retiring from football, Owens has pursued a career in broadcasting and currently works as an analyst on Fox Sports 1's "Undisputed" series.

In 2017, Owens published his memoir entitled "Trouble Is My Middle Name: My Life As T." In 2018, Owens starred alongside Brandy Norwood in FOX's drama pilot "All American", about African Americans working at white-owned businesses during segregation.

He was one of the most dominant receivers in NFL history. Owens had a turbulent career and is now retired from football.

Owens briefly played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 before retiring again. Owens will be inducted into the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2019, his first year of eligibility. Owens currently coaches at an AAU basketball game and lives with his daughter Kiari Kelly.

28. Ed Jones

Defensive end

Ed Jones Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • First-team All-Pro (1982)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1981, 1983)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1981–1983)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1974)
  • NEA First-team All-American (1973)
  • First-team Little All-American (1973)
  • Second-team Little All-American (1972)

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was a dominant defensive end in the NFL for over a decade, earning three Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys. He is also well-known for his memorable on-field confrontations with opponents, including Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach.

Jones is currently retired and living in Tennessee near his children and grandchildren. Ed Jones is a two-time Second Team All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl Champion. 

He was drafted in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and has since played for thirteen other teams including Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, and Miami Dolphins (two stints).

Minnesota Vikings (three stints), New England Patriots (four stints) Philadelphia Eagles In 2003 he became one of only six players to be inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Professional Football Hall of Fame.

29. Tyron Smith

Tackle

Tyron Smith Career

  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2016)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2013, 2015)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (2013–2019, 2021)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
  • Morris Trophy (2010)
  • First-team All-Pac-10 (2010)

Tyron Smith is a dominant offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the Cowboys in 2011 and has since become one of their key players on the offensive line.

Smith is known for his strength, discipline, and ability to block effectively in pass-protection or run-blocking situations. In 2017, he was named to his first Pro Bowl after recording 39 tackles (including 2 sacks) and 1 interception during the regular season campaign with Dallas.

Tyron Smith will be an important player for the Cowboys as they attempt to defend their NFC East title in 2018 alongside stars like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott Tyron Smith is one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history. 

He has been a two-time first-team all-pro and was also selected to seven Pro Bowls during his career.

Tyron Smith played at Arizona State before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. After spending four seasons with Dallas, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 where he spent five more seasons until joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. 

Tyron Smith's combination of size and athleticism makes him one of the most difficult players for opposing defenses to block and this has helped him accumulate numerous accolades including eight Pro Bowl appearances and two First-team All-Pro selections.

Also Played For: 2011 nfl draft, usc trojans football

30. Ezekiel Elliott

Running back

Ezekiel Elliott Career

  • 3× Pro Bowl (2016, 2018, 2019)
  • First-team All-Pro (2016)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2018)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
  • 2× NFL rushing yards leader (2016, 2018)
  • CFP national champion (2014)
  • CFP National Championship Offensive MVP (2014)
  • Chicago Tribune Silver Football (2015)
  • Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
  • Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the Year (2015)
  • Second-team All-American (2015)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (2015)
  • James E. Sullivan Award (2014)

Ezekiel Elliott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State and is currently an active player on the team.

Ezekiel Elliot has been a mainstay for the Cowboys since he joined them in 2016, racking up over 1,700 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns during that time period. 

His biggest accomplishment to date may have come in 2018 when he became only the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards and 20 or more touchdowns in a single season.

With his success behind him and continued production expected from him moving forward, Ezekiel Elliott is sure to be one of the most famous players in both professional sports.

The popular culture within years to come, Ezekiel Elliott, is a talented running back who has had an impressive career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 and has since become one of their most important players.

Elliott has won multiple awards, including first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections, and is known for his powerful running style.

Also Played For: madden nfl 21, ohio state buckeyes football

31. Everson Walls

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXV)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1982, 1983, 1985)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1981–1983, 1985)
  • 3× NFL interceptions leader (1981, 1982, 1985)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)

Walls was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1981. He played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1981 to 1989, and then with the New York Giants from 1990 to 1992.

Walls had a successful career with both teams, making four Pro Bowl appearances (two with Dallas and two with New York). He retired after playing briefly for the Cleveland Browns in 1993.

Wall was a three-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, leading the NFL in interceptions for three consecutive seasons (1981–1983). He is also one of only two players to have led the league in interceptions for multiple seasons.

Walls played his entire 14-year career with the Detroit Lions and holds numerous franchise records including most interception returns for touchdowns (5), games played (196), and tackles made (1,024). 

After retiring from football in 1988, Walls became an assistant coach with his former team, the Lions, where he served until 1994.

32. Jim Jeffcoat

Jim Jeffcoat Career

  • Dallas Cowboys (DL) (1998–2004)
  • Houston (DL, 2008–2010)
  • San Jose State (DL, 2011–2012)
  • Colorado (DL, 2013–2017)
  • Orlando Apollos (DL, 2019)
  • Dallas Renegades (DL, 2020)

Jeffcoat played defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1983 to 1994. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and made it to three Super Bowls with the Cowboys. Jeffcoat then played for the Buffalo Bills from 1995 to 1997 before retiring in 1998.

Jeffcoat has since worked as an NFL analyst on television broadcasts and is currently retired from football altogether. Jim Jeffcoat played defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1998-2004, before playing for the Houston Texans from 2008-2010 and then joining the San Jose State Spartans in 2011.

He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with Dallas (XXVII, XXVIII) and made 2 interceptions during his NFL career. 

Jim Jeffcoat finished his career at Colorado Buffaloes where he racked up 102 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and one sack over 4 years of play. Jeffcoat is now an assistant coach with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).

Also Played For: 1983 nfl draft

33. Chuck Howley

Chuck Howley Career

  • Super Bowl champion (VI)
  • Super Bowl MVP (V)
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (1966–1970)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1971)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1965–1969, 1971)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • 3× All-SoCon (1955–1957)

Chuck Howley was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1961 to 1973. He helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories in 1971 and 1972. 

Chuck Howley also played for the Chicago Bears from 1958 to 1959, and he was a part of their only championship victory in 1963.

In 2016, Chuck Howley was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the football team that won back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956. 

Chuck is also known for his charity work with children, which includes hosting an annual golf outing benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF).

On July 29th, 2017, at age 86, Chuck passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease Chuck Howley was a three-time All-Pro safety for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s. 

He won two Super Bowl titles with Dallas and was MVP of one game. After retiring from football, he became a broadcaster and spent several years working for ESPN before leaving to join Fox Sports Southwest as an NFL analyst in 2013.

Chuck Howley is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1991.

Also Played For: west virginia mountaineers football

34. Ralph Neely

Tackle

Ralph Neely Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • 4× All-Pro (1966–1969)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1967, 1969)
  • NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
  • Consensus All-American (1964)
  • Second-team All-American (1963)
  • 2× All-Big Eight (1963, 1964)

Ralph Neely was a key player on the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line throughout his career. He started all 16 games in 1965 and played every game from 1966 to 1977.

In 1978, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns and spent two seasons there before retiring at the age of 37. Ralph Neely is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, as well as being named an All-American by The Sporting News in 1967.

He died on January 5, 2022, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at 78 years old Ralph Neely was one of the greatest defenders in NFL history. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro selection, earning consensus first-team honors in 1964. 

A versatile player who could play anywhere on the defensive line, Neely was an Iron Man for his teams - playing in 172 consecutive games over 14 seasons from 1960 to 1974.

His versatility also saw him score seven touchdowns as a kick returner and intercept five passes during his career. Ralph Neely will be long remembered as one of the greats of NFL history and he remains arguably the best defender ever to play for the San Francisco 49ers.

35. Walt Garrison

Walt Garrison Career

  • Super Bowl champion (VI)
  • Pro Bowl (1972)
  • Dallas Cowboys 25th Anniversary Team
  • All-Big Eight (1965)
  • Second-team All-Big Eight (1964)

Garrison was a fullback and running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1966-1974. Garrison was selected in the fifth round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Cowboys, and he played with them until 1974.

After his playing career ended, Garrison became an assistant coach for the Cowboys before retiring in 1999. Garrison is currently retired and living in Denton, Texas with his wife Judy Ann. Walt Garrison was an All-American and NFL champion with the Dallas Cowboys.

He played a key role in their Super Bowl victory against the VI Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972. Later in his career, he spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs before retiring from football at age 37. 

After playing football for more than 20 years, Walt Garrison became a successful businessman and philanthropist.

Also Played For: oklahoma state university

36. Tony Hill

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1978, 1979, 1985)
  • Dallas Cowboys 50th Anniversary Team
  • 2× Second-team All-American (1975, 1976)
  • 2× First-team All-Pacific-8 (1975, 1976)

Tony Hill was a standout receiver at Stanford and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1977. He played for the Cowboys until 1986 when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

After spending two seasons with the 49ers, Tony Hill signed with the New England Patriots in 1988. He played for them until 1992 before retiring due to an injury. In 1997, Tony Hill became head coach of his alma mater, Long Beach Polytechnic High School (LBPHS).

He stayed there for four years before leaving to become receivers coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2002. In 2004, Tony Hill took over as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles after coaching quarterbacks under them. Andy Reid from 2001-2003 on Reid's staff with Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles respectively. 

In 2006 he left Philly to take over as wide receivers coach/offensive assistant under Head Coach Sean Payton with New Orleans Saints Tony resigned from his position. Wide Receivers Coach/Offensive Assistant on December 12th, 2009 after reports surfaced that he had failed a polygraph test conducted by NFL. 

Security Branch which led him to be banned indefinitely from all NFL teams without pay pending further investigation into whether or not ill had violated league rules prohibiting personnel employees. 

Who have contact with players while employed by an NFL team from having any involvement whatsoever within player personnel decisions pertaining to those players although no such violation was found during this investigation Tony Hill is a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1978-1985.

He was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second Team All-American. During his career, Tony Hill led the Cowboys in receptions (479), receiving yards (7,988), and touchdowns (51).

 After retiring from football, Tony Hill worked as an analyst on Fox Sports Southwest's pregame show "Cowboys Post Game Live". In 2009, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

37. Harvey Martin

Defensive end

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XII)
  • Super Bowl co-MVP (XII)
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1977)
  • First-team All-Pro (1977)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1976, 1979, 1982)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1976–1979)
  • NFL sacks leader (1977)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Third-team Little All-American (1972)

Harvey Martin was a defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 to 1983. He had success playing in the National Football League (NFL) during that time, amassing 11 sacks and earning four Pro Bowl selections.

Unfortunately, Harvey Martin passed away on December 24, 2001, at age 51 after battling a long illness. Harvey Martin was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He played for twelve seasons and won three Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers.

Harvey Martin also had a successful career outside of football, becoming an All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State University. Harvey Martin is remembered as one of the hardest hitters in NFL history and he was never afraid to mix it up on or off the field. 

Harvey Martin will be forever remembered for his role in helping lead the 49ers to their first-ever Super Bowl victory back in 1982.

38. Charlie Waters

Safety

Charlie Waters Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1977, 1978)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1976–1978)
  • NFL All-rookie team (1970)
  • All-ACC (1969)

Waters was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. Waters played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1981, making him one of their longest-tenured players.

Waters is best remembered for his time with the Cowboys as a safety and punt returner. After playing professional football, Waters worked as a police officer in Miami, Florida before retiring in 2003.

Charlie Waters is currently retired and living in South Carolina with his wife, Lynn Waters was a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles. Waters played his entire career for the Philadelphia Eagles, retiring in 1979.

Waters is best known for his play as a cornerback, but he also had success playing safety and running back for the Eagles. After retirement from football, Waters worked as an assistant coach with various NFL teams before joining the Dolphins staff in 2001 as defensive coordinator under head coach Joe Philbin.

In 2003, after serving one year as linebackers coach of the Baltimore Ravens, Waters was hired by Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga to be their new defensive coordinator. 

Under Waters' leadership, Miami became one of the most successful defenses in NFL history while leading them to four division titles (2003–2006), two AFC Championships (2004 & 2006), and one Super Bowl victory over New England Patriots (2006).

On January 7th, 2009, it was announced that Charlie waters would become Defensive Coordinator at Texas A&M University replacing Gary Gibbs who left College Station to take over as Head Coach at Oklahoma State University.

39. Charles Haley

Career

  • 5× Super Bowl champion (XXIII, XXIV, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1990, 1994)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1986)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
  • Division I-AA All-American (1985)

Charles Haley was a dominant defensive end in the NFL for over a decade. He recorded 15 sacks and five interceptions in his career. Charles Haley is also known for being one of the most vocal players on the field, often getting into altercations with opposing quarterbacks.

In 1999, Charles Haley joined the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent and helped lead them to two Super Bowls (2002,2004). 

After retiring from football in 2004, Charles Haley began working as an analyst for Fox Sports 1's coverage of NFL games. Charles Haley was a five-time Super Bowl champion and two-time first-team All-Pro.

He also won five Pro Bowls and was an all-American at the Division I-AA level. Charles Haley is widely considered one of the best defensive players in NFL history, and his influence can still be seen today.

40. Demarcus Lawrence

Defensive end

Demarcus Lawrence Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (2017)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022)
  • First-team All-MWC (2012, 2013)

Lawrence is a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted in 2014 and has since played for the team through four seasons, amassing 47 total tackles and 10 sacks.

Lawrence is known as an explosive player who can get to the quarterback quickly. In 2018, he won his first Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys after defeating the New England Patriots 34-31 in overtime thanks to two touchdowns by Dak Prescott.

As a native of Aiken, South Carolina, Lawrence is popular in his home state and also enjoys performing philanthropic work within it Demarcus Lawrence is an all-pro defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He has 363 total tackles, 53 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries in his career so far.

Lawrence was a first-team All-MWC selection in 2012 and 2013 and also won Second-team All-Pro honors in 2017. The 24-year-old should be a key member of the defense for years to come as he continues to develop his skills on the field.

Also Played For: defensive end, boise state university

41. Jayron Kearse

Safety

Jayron Kearse Career

  • Minnesota Vikings (2016–2019)
  • Detroit Lions (2020)
  • Baltimore Ravens (2020)*
  • Dallas Cowboys (2021–present)

Kearse played safety for Clemson, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Kearse has appeared in 21 games during his career and recorded 130 tackles, one interception, and eight pass deflections. Jayron Kearse was a two-time first-team All-ACC selection and an all-American in 2015.

He played college football at Clemson, where he recorded 306 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries over his three seasons there. Kearse entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 and has since been a regular contributor to their defense.

Jayron Kearse is set to enter his fourth season with the Dallas Cowboys during the 2021 season.

Also Played For: clemson university

42. Tony Pollard

Running back

Tony Pollard Career

  • Pro Bowl (2022)
  • Consensus All-American (2017)
  • 2× All-AAC (2016, 2017)
  • 2× AAC Special Teams Player of the Year (2016, 2017)

Tony Pollard was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He attended Memphis and played for the Tigers from 2015-2018, before being signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Tony is a running back who stands at 6'0" tall and weighs 212 pounds. In his rookie season with the Cowboys, he started four games and rushed for 96 yards on 20 carries (3 touchdowns). Tony is currently active with the Dallas Cowboys roster and looking to develop his skills further in order to become a star player in this league.

Tony Pollard was a consensus All-American and 2x AAC Special Teams Player of the Year as a receiver for Tulsa. He was drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 NFL Draft. 

In his rookie season, he started 11 games and had 44 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns. In 2018, he missed four games with an ankle injury but still managed to record 58 catches for 784 yards and five touchdowns.

He has played in all 16 games each of his first two seasons in the league, starting 10 times over that span.

43. Erik Williams

Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1995, 1996)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1993, 1996, 1997, 1999)
  • Small College All-American (1990)

Erik Williams was a standout offensive tackle at Philadelphia's Bartram High School. He played college football for Central State and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft.

Williams spent his first six seasons with the Cowboys, before being traded to Baltimore in 2001. In Baltimore, he became an All-Pro player and helped lead the Ravens to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

After finishing his career with Dallas again in 2003, Erik retired after 13 seasons as one of the team's all-time greats. Since retiring from professional football, Erik has devoted himself full time to coaching young athletes and assisting them on their road to becoming successful professionals themselves Williams is a 3-time Super Bowl champion and 4-time Pro Bowler.

He was an all-American at a small college before being drafted in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams Williams played his entire career with the Rams, retiring after 15 seasons in 2003 After retirement he became an analyst for Fox Sports Midwest.

44. Jalen Tolbert

Career

  • Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year (2021)
  • 2× First-team All-Sun Belt (2020, 2021)

Tolbert was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 27th, 1999. He attended McGill-Toolen High School where he played wide receiver for the Tigers. Tolbert played two seasons at South Alabama before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Tolbert has yet to play a down in an NFL game and is currently working his way up through the ranks with training camp just around the corner. Jalen Tolbert is a versatile running back who can play all three downs.

He was the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 and had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage that season. After being undrafted out of Central Florida in 2018, Tolbert signed with the Dallas Cowboys and made an impact as a backup running back behind Ezekiel Elliott. 

In 2019 he started to see more playing time due to injuries to Elliott and finished third on the team with 562 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 98 carries (5-yard avg.).

The 2020 season was his breakout year as he led the Cowboys in rushing yards (1,122), receptions (53), receiving touchdowns (seven), and total touchdowns (12). He has remained one of Dallas' top players throughout his career despite only starting 26 games since signing with them in 2018.

45. Jake Ferguson

Tight end

Jake Ferguson Career

  • Dallas Cowboys (2022–present)

Jake Ferguson was a standout tight end at Wisconsin and is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

Ferguson has excellent speed, agility, and catching ability which have made him one of the most highly coveted prospects in this year's draft class.

He will need to work on his blocking skills if he wants to become an effective NFL player, but with his skill set it shouldn't be too hard for him to improve upon that aspect of his game.

 Ferguson is poised for big things in the NFL and should develop into one of the best tight ends in the league over time Ferguson was one of the most productive receivers in college football during his time at Ohio State.

Ferguson signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and has since made a name for himself on offense. He's been a key part of the Cowboys' success over the past two seasons and is expected to continue that role moving forward.

 Ferguson will be looking to add another championship trophy to his collection when he joins the team in 2020.

Also Played For: wisconsin badgers football

46. Cooper Rush

Quarterback

Cooper Rush Career

  • Dallas Cowboys (2017–2019)
  • New York Giants (2020)*
  • Dallas Cowboys (2020–present)

Cooper Rush is a quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. He attended Lansing Catholic High School and Central Michigan University before being undrafted in 2017.

Rush has played for the Dallas Cowboys (2017-2019) and the New York Giants (2020)* during his career so far, but he is most well-known for playing for Central Michigan University from 2012 to 2016.

As a quarterback, Cooper Rush is tall at 6'7" and weighs 225 lbs., making him one of the bigger players on the field at any position. His impressive stats include completing over 60% of his passes in each of his three seasons as a starter at CMU, totaling 3,869 yards and 25 touchdowns while only 11 interceptions during that time period.

Outside of football, Cooper Rush enjoys spending time with friends and family - which makes him an all-around great guy to be around. 

Cooper Rush is a third-year quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He has started 10 games for the team since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has completed 59 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.

Rush was born in Toledo, Ohio, but moved to Austin, Texas at an early age. He attended Lamar High School where he played football and competed in track & field. After committing to play football at Arkansas as a true freshman, Rush transferred to Oklahoma State University after one season and redshirted during his time there. 

In 2018, Rush won Second-team All-MAC honors while playing for Oklahoma State's then-undefeated Cowboys squad that went 12–0 en route to winning the Big 12 title game against Kansas State on New Year's Eve (the first program from outside Power 5 conferences ever to win a conference championship).

The following year saw him start all 13 games for Oklahoma State as they finished 9–3 overall before losing 38–27 in double overtime to LSU in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal; despite throwing two interceptions late in regulation which led directly to points allowed by both teams' offenses (LSU eventually won 31–28). 

Rush was named Offensive MVP of that contest thanks to completing 28 out of 41 pass attempts for 352 yards with three touchdowns and no picks – including an 80-yard touchdown bomb downfield midway through the second half which proved key given OSU trailed 27–20 at halftime having been shutout earlier via rushing attack).

Prior to being drafted by Dallas rush had also spent time training camp with the San Francisco 49ers before ultimately deciding on signing with Dallas instead who were already stacked at QB behind Dak Prescott (1st overall pick of 2016 NFL Draft).

Kellen Moore (8th round/269th overall selection - 2007 NFL draft), Cooper Bateman (Undrafted free agent/2018 FA Signing Camp - Tennessee Titans), etc.

Also Played For: central michigan university

47. Neville Gallimore

Defensive tackle

Career

  • Dallas Cowboys (2020–present)

Gallimore was a standout defensive lineman at Canada Prep Academy. He enrolled in Oklahoma in 2015 and played for the Sooners until 2019 when he decided to enter the NFL Draft.

Gallimore was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with their third-round pick in 2020, and he has since appeared in four games for them as a rookie. The gallery is currently playing for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks after signing with them as an undrafted free agent in May of 2020.

Neville Gallimore is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Gallimore played his college football at Kansas State University. There he won multiple awards, including Second-team All-Big 12 (2019). In 2019, he finished with 53 total tackles and 3 sacks on defense for the Cowboys.

On offense, he caught one pass for 11 yards from quarterback Kyler Murray during their preseason game against Seattle Seahawks on August 10th, 2019. 

The 22-year-old has shown promise as an all-around linebacker who can play both defensively and offensively in the NFL future; making him a valuable asset to any team that drafts him.

48. Lee Roy Jordan

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (VI)
  • First-team All-Pro (1969)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1973)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1967–1969, 1973, 1974)
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • All-American (1962)
  • All-SEC (1962)
  • Second-team All-SEC (1961)

Lee Roy Jordan was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1963 to 1976. He won two Super Bowls with the team, in 1971 and 1973. Jordan was also selected to three Pro Bowls during his career, in 1969, 1970, and 1971.

He is sixth all-time in NFL history in tackles with 1172 total plays over 16 seasons. After retiring as a player, Jordan became an analyst on Fox Sports Southwest's pregame show "Fox NFL Sunday". 

Jordan was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history and is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Jordan played for five different teams during his career, totaling 186 games over 11 seasons. He was named First-team All-Pro three times and Second-team All-Pro twice. Jordan also won five Pro Bowls during his career, including two as a Dallas Cowboy teammate with Troy Aikman. 

Lee Roy Jordan is arguably best known for his interception return against John Elway in Super Bowl VI which helped lead the Cowboys to their first title ever.

49. George Andrie

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (VI)
  • First-team All-Pro (1969)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1966–1968)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1965–1969)
  • NFL sacks leader (1966)

George Andrie was a Defensive End for the Dallas Cowboys from 1962 to 1972. George played college football at Marquette and was drafted in the 6th round of the 1962 NFL Draft.

In his 10-year career, Andrie recorded 231 total tackles, 16 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. After retiring as a player, George worked as an analyst on Fox Sports Southwest's "In The Locker Room" segment until his death in 2018 at 78 years old.

George Andrie was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Colts and played 13 seasons in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. 

Andrie is best known for his performance against Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler in 1969 when he registered 2 sacks and an interception to help lead Baltimore to victory.

After leaving football, Andrie worked as a television commentator and served as head coach of the NFL's Indianapolis Stars from 1984-1985 before returning to broadcasting full-time. 

In 2007, he was appointed by then-NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to serve on the league's concussion committee, which made him one of the most influential voices on player safety during his time in football.

50. Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1975–1978)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1974)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1974–1979)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
  • 2× All-AIC (1968, 1969)

Cliff Harris was born on November 12, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He attended Des Arc High School and played safety for the Cowboys from 1970 to 1979.

Harris was an undrafted player in the NFL but became a starter early on with Dallas and helped lead them to four Super Bowl appearances (1971–1974, 1977). After finishing his career with the Cowboys, he spent time as a defensive assistant coach with several teams before retiring in 2000.

Cliff Harris was a two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys. He was an All-American at Ohio State and played in both the 1968 and 1969 AIC championships. 

After his playing career, he became a coach for many years, most notably with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 2000.

Cliff Harris is now retired but still stays involved in coaching as an assistant coach for his son's high school football teams in Ohio.

Final Words

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic teams in all of professional football, and they’ve had some truly great players over the years. From Roger Staubach to Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, there’s no shortage of stars who have represented the Cowboys on the field.

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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