Dallas Cowboys Legends: The Top 10 Players of All Time

By Jason Bolton September 06, 2024 06:18

Photo by TONY GUTIERREZ / AP

The Dallas Cowboys, better known as "America's Team," have so much history and legends that will never be forgotten. In this article, we look at the top 10 Dallas Cowboys players who ever set foot on a football field, how they have faired over their careers, and the legacy they leave behind.

1. Roger Staubach

One of the Cowboys' legendary figures in history is Roger Staubach, referred to as Captain America. A legendary college quarterback, winning the Heisman Trophy at Navy before joining Dallas in 1969 and quickly gaining recognition as a fan favorite there.

Key Stats and Accomplishments

Super Bowl Wins: 2 (VI, XII)
Super Bowl MVP: 1 (VI)
Pro Bowls: 6
NFL Passing Touchdowns: 153

Notable Moments

By now, Staubach's knack for making plays in the clutch was otherworldly. One of his most unforgettable plays in NFL history was the "Hail Mary" pass he threw during a 1975 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

2. Emmitt Smith

The NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, was a key piece of the Cowboys' dominance during their successful run in the 1990s. Smith was drafted in 1990, or nearly a century ago, given how NFL life spans work these days, where he played for a franchise that made sure it wanted to keep him.

Key Stats and Accomplishments

Receptions: 1,101
Touchdowns: 65
Super Bowl Wins: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
NFL MVP: 1 (1993)
Pro Bowls: 8
Rushing Yards: 18,355

Notable Moments

His gritty attitude was already on display at the end of 1993 during a memorable season finale against the New York Giants that earned him an NFC East crown.

3. Troy Aikman

First Pick in 1989 NFL Draft, Troy Aikman was the face of Dallas' resurgence through the '90s. He was the ultimate perfectionist, and his pinpoint passing and field leadership were necessary to all of us.

Key Stats and Highlights

Super Bowl Victories: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Super Bowl MVP: 1 (XXVII)
Pro Bowls: 6
Passing Yards: 32,942

Notable Moments

A 273-yard, four-touchdown performance in Super Bowl XXVII won him the MVP and cemented his status as a big-game player.

4. Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin served as the pivotal cog in the Cowboys' run in the 90's, signal-calling the franchise to three Super Bowl wins.

Stats and Contributions

Super Bowl victories: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII and XXX)
Pro Bowls: 5
Receiving Yards: 11,904
Receptions: 750

Notable Moments

No one made big plays in crucial moments quite like Irvin. Those moments, especially in the 1994 NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers, will be his legacy someday.

5. Bob Lilly

Bob Lilly lost only two games during the season and was within the defensive line. Also known as "Mr. Cowboy," Lilly spent his entire 14-year career with the Cowboys

Key Stats and Accomplishments

Pro Bowls: 11
All-Pro Selections: 7
NFL 75th Anniversary Team

Notable Moments

One of the most famous plays in Cowboys history came from Super Bowl VI when Lilly sacked Bob Griese for a 29-yard sack.

6. Randy White

Randy White, "The Manster," a menacing and destructive interior defensive player for the Cowboys. His effort-related play thrust him among the best in the NFL.

By the Numbers & Records

Super Bowl Wins: 1 (XII)
Super Bowl Co-MVP: 1 (XII)
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro Selections: 7

Notable Moments

The hallmark of White's career was his ability to terrorize opposing offenses, including in Super Bowl XII when he split co-MVP honors with Randy White.

7. Tony Dorsett

The top overall pick in 1977, Dorsett wasted no time staking his claim as one of the best backs in football.

Headings and Notable Bits

Super Bowl Wins: 1 (XII)
Pro Bowls: 4
Rushing Yards: 12,739
NFL Rookie of the Year (1977)

Notable Moments

His 99-yard touchdown run vs. Minnesota in 1983 is still the longest scrimmage play from scrimmage ever in NFL history.

8. Mel Renfro

Mel Renfro served14 seasons with the Cowboys. His fast moves and instincts helped create one of the best players of his time.

Stats and milestones

Super Bowl Wins: 2 (VI, XII)
Pro Bowls: 10
All-Pro Selections: 5
Interceptions: 52

Notable Moments

His interception in Super Bowl VI sealed Dallas' first championship.

9. Larry Allen

Larry Allen is the most dominant offensive lineman in NFL history when it comes to protecting Cowboys quarterbacks and clearing room for other running backs.

Significant Stats & Accomplishments

Super Bowl Wins: 1 (XXX)
Pro Bowls: 11
All-Pro Selections: 7
NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019)

Notable Moments

Boasting strength most Cowboys fans would call herculean, Allen used his stature and football IQ to land himself a Super Bowl ring and numerous Pro Bowl nods.

10. DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware was a menacing, era-defining pass rusher. Ware was drafted by the Cowboys in 2005 and immediately impacted their defense.

Interesting Facts and Achievements

Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro Selections: 7
NFL Sacks: 138.5
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Notable Moments

Ware has been the best at getting to quarterbacks, and his leadership on and off the field is impossible to quantify in Dallas.

These legends, from Roger Staubach's leadership to Emmitt Smith's record-breaking runs, have made it to the highest level among their peers and had a lasting legacy. Their impact on the Cowboys story is well documented and still leaves an impression on players and fans today.