|
The 40 most influential Cowboys1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
40  How we picked the most influential Cowboys
40 most memorable games
1. TOM LANDRY
Coach, 1960-88
The innovative coach was a rock of stability in leading the Cowboys from a hapless expansion team to 20 consecutive winning seasons and 19 trips to the playoffs in his 29 years.
2. TEX SCHRAMM
GM/president, 1960-89
He was one of the most powerful executives in NFL history and molded the Cowboys in his image.
3. ROGER STAUBACH
QB, 1969-79
His daring, scrambling style and propensity for leading the Cowboys to heroic comeback victories combined to make him one of the most popular and successful players in NFL history.
4. JERRY JONES
Owner/GM, 1989-present
As promised, he delivered Super Bowl championships, is involved in everything from jocks to socks and has changed the way the NFL does business.
5. BOB LILLY
DL, 1961-74
The first college player ever drafted by the Cowboys also was their first entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after proving to be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history.
6. JIMMY JOHNSON
Coach, 1989-93
Stripped the team down, wheeled and dealed and built it into a two-time Super Bowl champion and was gone, just like that.
7. TROY AIKMAN
QB, 1989-present
One of the most accurate passers in NFL history, and his 3-0 record in the Super Bowl trails only Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana (4-0 each).
8. CLINT MURCHISON
Owner, 1960-84
When the going was tough, he gave Tom Landry an unheard of 10-year contract. He was a hands-off owner but had the vision to get Texas Stadium built.
9. EMMITT SMITH
RB, 1990-present
He has proven to be one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
10. TONY DORSETT
RB, 1977-87
A magnificent runner who was the final piece in keeping the Cowboys on their incredible playoff run in the 1970s.
11. GIL BRANDT
Personnel director, 1960-89
Was credited with various scouting and draft innovations, such as using computers, seeking out small-school players and athletes from other sports.
12. RANDY WHITE
LB-DT, 1975-88
Essentially took the mantle from Bob Lilly as the foundation of the Cowboys defense.
13. BOB HAYES
WR, 1965-74
Few players in NFL history could match the big-play ability of "Bullet" Bob Hayes, who revolutionized the wide-receiver position with his speed, flair and grace.
14. DON MEREDITH
QB, 1960-68
Talented and colorful quarterback took a beating in the formative years of the franchise, lost some tough playoff games in his prime and retired before the Cowboys ever won a title.
15. DREW PEARSON
WR, 1973-83
Minnesota Vikings fans still curse Pearson's famed "Hail Mary" touchdown reception in the 1975 NFC playoffs. Pearson's career was filled with similar big-play highlights.
16. MICHAEL IRVIN
WR, 1988-present
The franchise's all-time leading receiver also became the poster child for the Cowboys' second generation of arrogant, troubled athletes.
17. MEL RENFRO
DB, 1964-77
One of the best all-around athletes the franchise has ever had. He could have been a two-way star given the chance and excelled as a defensive back and on kick returns.
18. LEE ROY JORDAN
LB, 1963-76
A five-time Pro Bowl pick, the steady Jordan anchored the Cowboys' "Doomsday Defense" for 14 years from his middle-linebacker position.
19. ED JONES
DE, 1974-78, 80-89
"Too Tall" was a stalwart on the dominant defenses of the '70s and took a year off from football for a failed experiment as a pro boxer.
20. CHUCK HOWLEY
LB, 1961-73
A converted college center, Howley went on to earn Most Valuable Player honors in the Cowboys' Super Bowl V loss.
21. HARVEY MARTIN
DE, 1973-83
A virtual unknown out of East Texas State, Martin went on to lead the Cowboys in sacks in seven of his 11 seasons and remains the Cowboys' all-time leader with 114 quarterback takedowns. His 20 sacks in 1977 remains the Dallas standard.
22. DAN REEVES
RB, asst. coach, 1965-80
He was a favorite of Tom Landry, who made him a player-assistant and led him into the NFL head coaching ranks.
23. CLIFF HARRIS
S, 1970-79
Another small-school gem uncovered by the Cowboys, Harris co-anchored the Cowboys' secondary with Charlie Waters for nearly a decade, earning six Pro Bowl appearances.
24. HERSCHEL WALKER
RB, 1986-89, 96-97
He had one of the most productive seasons in NFL history in 1988 and eventually was traded for a lode of players and draft picks that helped the Cowboys return to dominance.
25. DON PERKINS
RB, 1961-68
A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Perkins was the first Cowboy to rush for more than 6,000 yards and was among the top 10 NFL rushers in his first 10 seasons.
26. DEION SANDERS
CB, 1995-present
He signed a record-setting contract to leave the San Francisco 49ers and might have been the difference in the Cowboys going on to win Super Bowl XXX.
27. CORNELL GREEN
DB, 1962-74
The former basketball player at Utah State vindicated the Cowboys' unusual draft approach, and he made the Pro Bowl as a cornerback and safety.
28. RAYFIELD WRIGHT
TE-T, 1967-79
Six-time Pro Bowl selection helped anchor the Cowboys' offensive line for nearly a decade.
29. LARRY ALLEN
OL, 1994-present
A dominant blocker who has started games at both tackles and both guards spots. A possible Hall of Famer.
30. CHARLES HALEY
DE, 1992-96
He supplied the Cowboys with a much-needed pass rush and became the first NFL player to win five Super Bowl rings.
31. EVERSON WALLS
DB, 1981-89
Despite not being drafted, his 11-interception rookie season remains one of the best in league history. Was victimized by Dwight Clark for "The Catch."
32. THOMAS HENDERSON
LB, 1975-79
"Hollywood" was tremendously talented, but his outspoken ways and off-the-field problems made his stay with the Cowboys a short one.
33. DARREN WOODSON
SS, 1992-present
He was one of the top defenders on the Super Bowl winners of the '90s.
34. DUANE THOMAS
RB, 1970-71
His enigmatic ways overshadowed his talent and were more than Tom Landry cared to deal with.
35. BARRY SWITZER
Coach, 1994-97
He never received credit for the Cowboys winning Super Bowl XXX.
36. TEXIE HOWARD
Cheerleader innovator, 1972-83
Her decision to don the Cowboy Cheerleaders in white boots, short-shorts and racy tops forever changed the pro sports viewing experience.
37. DANNY WHITE
QB-P, 1976-88
He remains the Cowboys' career leader in TD passes, but his failure to led the team to the Super Bowl left him an after thought in the annals of franchise greats.
38. BUM BRIGHT
Owner, 1984-89
He is remembered mostly for selling the team to Jerry Jones.
39. NATE NEWTON
G, 1986-98
His outrageous personality and massive girth made him a crowd favorite.
40. CHARLIE WATERS
DB, 1970-81
Three-time Pro Bowl selection. Ranks third in team history with 41 interceptions.
|
 |
|
