50 Most Famous Dallas Cowboys Players of All Time

50 Most Famous Dallas Cowboys Players of All Time

Well, in the world of sports, the Dallas Cowboys are ranked as the greatest franchise to ever grace the world of American football. Of course, a team like the Green Bay Packers take the NFL championships while the Pittsburgh Steelers take the Super Bowls. However, no one’s more recognized as the America’s Team more like the Dallas Cowboys. They have always managed to compete strong in every season unlike most NFL franchises who typically strong together a few strong seasons here and there. Actually, this is why even the top 50 NFL players usually have players from this iconic team. Let’s take a look at some of those players who never cease to surprise fans and keep them glued to their playing skills.

1. La’Roi Glover

La’Roi actually played in NFL Europe at one point and even led the Barcelona Dragons to a World Bowl title. He of course leads this list as he made the Pro Bowl every season he played for the Dallas Cowboys. During the course of his career, he was such a strong figure on the interior defensive line that he made it to the NFL’S 2000 All-Decade Team.

2. Mark Stepnoski

Presently, Mark Stepnoski is the president of Texas NORML and he makes this list as he was the leader of the Cowboys’ virtual offensive line back in the ‘90s. He was actually manned in the middle for the first two of their three Super Bowls and even made three undisputed straight Pro Bowls in Dallas before he left for good.

3. Walt Garrison

Garrison was basically the OG of the 60s and in 1966, a horse trailer was included in his signing bonus. That’s how popular and skilled this guy was. Known popularly as the ever-dependable Garrison, he was just as effective in pushing the pile as he was catching passes out of the backfield. In 1971 for example, he made the Dallas win their first Super Bowl and the following year, he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. He’s actually an important figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys.

4. Jim Jeffcoat

Although Jim Jeffcoat never made it to the Pro Bowl, he was still a Hall of Fame finalist in 2008. He of course makes this list too as he was a special playmaker on the defense side of football. He most definitely created such a great wave in opposing backfields for a period that lasted a decade and even won rings with the Dallas Cowboys. He did great while at it and every time managed to prove why he is among the very best.

5. Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens played only three seasons for the Dallas but within that time, he managed to create a name for himself. He was particularly dominant during those years and his portfolio alone is enough to have him make it on this list. Even more impressively, during his time with the ‘Big D,’ on average he achieved 78 receptions, 1196 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Very impressive indeed.

6. Flozell Adams

Something pretty interesting bout Adams, he has the same shoe size as Shaquille O’Neal. That is a size 22. At 340 pounds and standing at a height of 6’7, Adams was always recognized as physically very gifted. Arguably, he wasn’t an instant hit like most players, but he developed into one of the best-blindsided blockers in the history of NFL and that alone was enough to earn him five trips to Honolulu. Whenever he was in the field, you’d be sure not many opponents would manage to get past him.

7. Mark Tuinei

Hands down, Mark Tuinei is one of the many top-notch road pavers that the NFL will always be thankful for. In his career, he was a two-time Pro Bowler who actually made it to each of the Cowboys’ world title-winning teams back in the 90s. One amazing fun fact about him, Tuinei has been tied with two other players for years in a Dallas uniform. In other words, he is one of the famous faces.

8. Bill Bates

Bill Bates made only one Pro Bowl but the impact of his presence on the Dallas Cowboys was just unforgettable. His role on the defense was simply impressive and by the time he was retiring, he had three Super Bowl rings and had played a major role in winning two of them. He was unfortunately injured prior to the 25th Super Bowl games. One fun fact about him is that he was steamrolled by Herschel Walker, who actually ended up being his teammate.

9. Herschel Walker

Walker is one of the only two players to record over 10,000 yards from scratch. He made 5,000 return yards in his career and on average, 1,733 yards per season during his first gig with the Cowboys. Moreover, not only was he a productive Cowboy, but also his value on the trade block led Dallas to have domination I’m the 90s. This is something that has always been taken into consideration.

10. Pat Donovan

While still in high school, Pat Donovan won six state track and field titles in events that included a 4 x 880-yard relay. Now, this is not an easy feat but it shows what talent and strength he has from a very young age. Additionally, he helped an hour an offensive line that opposed front sevens on the Cowboys’ way to three Super Bowls. He then retired with one ring and four trips to the Pro Bowl.

11. Tony Romo

Ever since he took the reins back in 2006, Tony Romo became the fourth most productive quarterback in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Actually, he is number one now by a wide margin if you were to grade this in terms of passer rating alone. He is yet to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs but his three-time Pro Bowlers’ are truly eye-opening.

12. Ralph Neely

During his last season at Oklahoma, Ralph Neely was forced to sit out the Gator Bowl simply because he signed with a pro team before the game began.  This was the game that Fred Biletnikoff ended up scoring four touchdowns. When all is said and done, however, Neely, who is a four-time All-Pro, is a member of this team’s Ting of Honour and the NFL 1960’s All-Decade Team. Neely eventually retired with two rings but he didn’t particularly play in the Dallas’ Super Bowl 6^th victory because of an injury.

13. Billy Joe DuPree

One amazing fact about Billy Joe is that in all of his 11 years in the NFL, he never missed a game. Not even once. In the 2012 NFL season, Billy Joe tied with Jason Witten for the most touchdown receptions, by having a tight end in franchise history. He ended up playing in three Pro Bowls, and three Super Bowls and won a ring in 1978.

14. Calvin Hill

Calvin Hill only played six seasons for the Cowboys but he is still the fourth leading rusher in franchise history. In those six years, he achieved four Pro Bowls participated in two Super Bowls, and won one. One fun fact about him is that while in university, he signed up with Yale I’m an attempt to become the first-ever quarterback at the University. 

15. Daryl Johnston

Daryl Johnston was actually a very dominant lead blocker and the NFL created a Pro Bowl spot for traditional fullbacks. Of course, naturally, Johnston was the first to be elected. His value of the Dallas Cowboys’ three Super Bowl-winning teams back in the ’90s has remained undisputed to date.

16. Jethro Pugh

Something off the charts and very impressive about Jethro Pugh: By the time he was retiring, no one had actually played in more playoff games than him. He was such a talented and gifted player that regardless of not making it to the Pro Bowl, he still did an average of 12.5 sacks in a span of five seasons.  He additionally completer five Super Bowls in a span of 13 postseason appearances, even winning two of them.

17. George Andrie

George Andrie was a member of the legendary doomsday defense for the Dallas Cowboys and he was plainly put, a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He is hands down one of the most accomplished pass rushers in the history of the NFL. It doesn’t come as a surprise therefore that he was voted to five Pro Bowls.

18. Tony Hill

Tony Hill is pretty book – smart actually. He graduated from Stanford at only age of 20. He then went on ahead to receiving yards behind the legendary Michael Irvin. Hill is a three-time Pro Bowler who led the Dallas Cowboys in receptions and yards for nine consecutive seasons.

19. Erik Williams

Erik Williams was so good that the one Super Bowl Cowboys didn’t win ( 1992-1995), was the year he was sidelined because of his career threatening car crash. For this team, Williams meant a lot and upon his arrival to the team, he gave his everything into an offensive line. This is what paved the way for the three Super Bowl titles in the 90s. He made four Pro Bowl teams. Pretty impressive and admirable.

20. Nate Newton

Nate Newton was nicknamed ‘The Kitchen’ because he was actually larger than the famous William Perry (The Refrigerator). He was a member of the offensive line that opened holes for the leading rusher in NFL history, hence why he can’t miss this list. In the course of his career, he won three Super Bowls and even voted for six of them

21. Jay Novacek

While still in high school, Jay Novacek was an All-State quarterback, All-American basketball player, state champion hurdler, and even set a state pole vault record. He was a jack of all trades and a very big deal in other words. He appeared on all Super Bowl teams too just like legendaries in the world of American football like Emmit Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin. Moreover, during his era, he was voted to five consecutive Pro Bowls.

22. Danny White

Danny White was the heir to the ‘throne’ of Tiger Staubach and because of this, he has always been overlooked. However, when he was healthy, he was a force to reckon with. He is the second in franchise history in touchdown passes and that’s why he cannot miss on this list.

23. John Niland

As a six time pro bowler, John Niland was key figure on Cowboy title contenders. He managed to play in two NFL championships and also three Super Bowls which included the grand victory for the team during the sixth super bowl championship. One interesting fun fact about Niland is that he was an all State fullback back in highschool and even began his college career at that same position.

24. Charlie Waters

One thing that’s quite impressive as far as Charles Waters and the Dallas is concerned, is that he never had even a single losing season during his tenure with the team. This three- time Pro Bowler even played in give super bowls and walked away from that game with two rings. What more could you therefore expect from the legend himself. Interesting enough, he is also the only player in all of league history to block four punts during back to back games.

25. Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Ed isn’t known as ‘too tall’ by mistake. Standing at 6’9 and weighing 271 pounds, he has played more games for the cowboys than any other player in franchise history. This is even after he took a tear off in the middle of his career so as to be a boxer. Additionally, he was a three- time Pro Bowler and would constantly harass opposing passersby on their way to the 12th Super Bowl triumph. Fun fact: he was a Golden Gloves boxer back in highschool.

26. Everson Walls

Everson excelled quite well in the NFL, despite having a 40 yard dash time of just 4.72 seconds. That never deterred him in any way. In the course of his career, he has singlehandedly defined the label, ‘bell hawk.’ He also led the NFL in interceptions for three years and was also a four- time Pro Bowler with the cowboys.

27. Jason Witten

Jason Witten has been voted on seven Pro Bowl teams since 2004. That’s just how good he is. In fact it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he were to have more of these championships. Being the third among tight ends in all-time receptions, Witten has consistently been one of the top all-around tight ends in the league all through his career.

28. Charles Haley

Charles Haley boasts of the most Super Bowl rings among all the other players in NFL history. He actually deserves to be in the hall of Fame given how he has managed give pro bowls and five Super Bowl victories. Three of these are from when he was with the Dallas Cowboys.

29. Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders has been appreciated as the greatest cover corner in the history of American football game. He indeed had quite a few unforgettable moments with the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, but still, he is an all-time great Cowboy. This is after having achieved four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl triumph while with this franchise.

30. Cornell Green

Way before he played football, Cornell Green was a basketball player but late on transitioned to football and the guy always manages to surprise fans. He could have well played for NBA as he had the skills and talent, but after being a decade of succeess with NFL, it’s easy to see why he stick around football. With five Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl appearances and a ring, Cornell Green retired as one of the greatest Dallas Cowboys player of all time.

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31. Don Perkins

Of course Don Perkins has to be on this list too. He is in fact the most accomplished rusher in the Dallas Cowboys history. Aside from Emmott Smith and Tony Dorsett that is. Furthermore, he is a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honour and he retired as a six time Pro Bowler. A very impressive achievement actually. Even more mind blowing, Perkins was signed by Dallas Cowboys straight out of college. This kind of created a mess after Baltimore Colts selected him in the ninth round of the draft.

32. Darren Woodson

Being a five time Pro Bowler, Woodson is hands down Cowboys’ all time leading tackler. This 6’2 and 219 pounds giant hit like a line backer and during his career he has managed to bring bout toughness to a team that won three Super Bowls without even struggling much. Fun fact: Darren Woodson was coached by the iconic and legendary Lovie Smith.

33. Harvey Martin

Harvey Martin, a four time Pro Bowler, had more influence on the title more than anyone else (apart from Randy White). This is regardless of the fact that he didn’t really lead the team to victory in Super Bowl 12. Still, he won the game’s MVP award and he was famously recognized as the one-time defensive player of the year.

34. Drew Pearson

Back in the 70s, Drew Pearson with the nickname, ‘Mr. Clutch,’ came up big and won three trips to the Pro Bowl and also a spot on the All- Decade team. He played a major role on three Cowboy super Bowl squads. This includes the twelve champions. Side note: after he retired, Pearson spent time on the barnstorming basketball team and the Harlem Magicians.

35. Don Meredith

Don Meredith is actually one of the most popular players in franchise history and the one person who has also managed to lead the Dallas Cowboys to a couple of NFL championships long before the era of Super Bowl even began. Don has also earned three Pro Bowls and he garnered down MVP honors in 1966 also. Interesting enough, he has also acted in a couple of movies and TV shows. He is also known for having an equally successful career in broadcasting.

36. Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris, nicknamed Captain Crash, was elected to six Pro Bowls and has also been a Pro football Hall of Fame finalist. During the period of his career, he has played in five super Bowls and this is inclusive of Cowboys’ victories. He is indeed very talented and skilled hence why he appears on our list.

37. Chuck Howley

Something that is so impressive with Chuck Howley is that, during Super Bowl 5, he won the game’s MVP award despite being a bit on the losing end. He however refused the trophy and to date, he is the only losing player to having been awarded the honour. However, he has helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl 6 in the next year. Moreover, he is a member of the 20/20 club and was even voted into six different Pro Bowls.

38. DeMarcus Ware

When he was only 29 years old, DeMarcus Ware was voted into six Pro Bowls and thanks to that he holds the team’s sack record. He is a hall of Fame lock and I believe within no time, Ware will be at the top of most lists. Fun fact: when he was in highschool,  Ware was named as his team’s most valuable receiver during his senior season.

39. Lee Roy Jordan

Lee Roy Jordan is another iconic Dallas cowboys player who always manages to surprise fans and general people overall. In fact, he led the team to undisputed three Super Bowl berths, including the victory of 1972.  He is a five time Pro Bowler who is also a Hall of Fame finalist. More impressively, Lee Roy is one of the greatest linebackers in the history of football league.

40. Rayfield Wright

First things first, Rayfiled Wright is a six staright Pro Bowls champion. His role in the Dallas Cowboys is always quoted and remembered whenever one talks about the Cowboys’ Super Bowl titles. He has also made his way to the hall of Fame and that is no easy feat to achieve. He has managed to do well for himself in the course of his career which is some very admirable.

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41. Larry Allen

At 6’3 and  325 pounds, he is justifiably referred to as a beast for a good reason. He has even been recognized as the strongest man in NFL history and has recorded a bench pass of 692 pounds. Wow! And people think the idea of hulk is too wild.  Additionally, Allen has helped pave way for icons like Emmit Smith in Super Bowl 30 victory. He was also noted into 11 Pro Bowls and now, he is a Hall of Fame guarantee after making two all-decade teams.

42. Bob Hayes

You cannot mention American football and fail to name Bob Hayes. He is a one-time world’s fastest man, having set record of 60, 100 and 220 yard dashes and also the Olympic 100- meter dash. Hayes is such a force to reckon with and rightfully so, he was voted into three straight Pro Bowls and the Hall of Fame. His outstanding ability and skills helped the cowboys win the Super Bowl match of 1972 thus why he is such a respected figure as far as American football goes.

43. Mel Renfro

Mel Renfro was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after he retired. He retired with 52 interceptions and 10 Pro Bowl visits. I’m other words, he has had quite a successful career and always managed to set the Dallas Cowboys at a higher note. He actually played on four cowboy Super Bowl teams and this includes the victory of super Bowl 12.

44. Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin is indeed a legend. His overwhelming strength for a wide receiver actually forced the NFL to adjust their rulebook in order to prevent physically wide receivers from pushing off cornerbacks. Irvin is popularly known as a very hard working player, having been voted into five Pro Bowls and also the Pro football Hall of Fame. On average, he has recorded 11,904 receiving yards. Something more impressive and mind blowing about Irvin, is that he was also part of the triplets who ignited the cowboys to a trio of Super Bowl triumphs.

45. Randy White

Randy White played on Dallas’ Doomsday defense that actually led the Dallas cowboys to the super bowl 12 victory. Thanks to this, he was elected into nine Pro Bowls and Hall of Fame and to date, his success regarding this is always quoted. He is also quite good at Thai boxing hence showing his flexibility and agility.

46. Tony Dorsett

Tony Dorsett is not a new name in the world of NFL and generally American football. He managed to pave way into four Pro Bowls and having an induction onto the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This was after achieving a whooping 12,739 yards. Very impressive indeed. Moreover, he is the only football player to ever have won a college championship and a pro one in back to back years. He also helped the team win Super Bowl 12 during his rookie season after winning in an NCAA title at Pitt.

47. Troy Aikman

The iconic Troy Aikman is notably recognized as the quarterback of all time. In the 1990s in fact, he was one third of the triplets who were highlighted in the Dallas Cowboys three super bowl titles. Additionally, he was voted into six straight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Hall of Fame without even a shadow of doubt.

48. Bob Lilly

Bob Lilly ended up earning the nickname Mr. Cowboy and rightfully so. He was the key figure in Dallas’ Doomsday defense that les the team to victory in Superbowl 6. He was very impressive, skilled and talented on the field, that the NFL films labeled him unblockable and unstoppable force. He was further votes into eleven Pro Bowls and was also effortlessly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

49. Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith retired as the most accomplished runner in the history of American football league. He was also part of the triplets who carries the cowboys to three Super Bowl victories and his name will always pop up whenever we talk about this. Furthermore, thanks to Smith, the team managed to achieve eight Pro Bowls, four rushing titles and a Super bowl MVP. Thanks to these achievements, he was also very rightfully and expected inducted into the Hall of Fame.

50. Roger Staubach

Always save the best for last I believe. Roger Staubach is another famous and very talented Dallas Cowboys player that will forever be remembered and mentioned. He has been termed and actually recognized as the greatest combination of passer, athlete and leader in all of league history. He is a six time Pro Bowler who led the cowboys to a pair of Super Bowl titles and three championships. He was also unsurprisingly, elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

All these iconic figures have played a major role in making the NFL what it is today. More so, giving a name to the Dallas Cowboys team and ensuring that their reputation as a team continue to soar even higher.

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