D82's Top 50 Cowboys Of All-Time V.2020

[D82]

9 minutes ago, MKnight82 said:

I mean I get all of the All Pro nods for smith, but Irvin has 3 rings and was a big contributor to those.  Smith hasn't won anything.  

That's not necessarily his fault. 

[D82]

5 minutes ago, CAPJ said:

you forgot the great L.P.

He's easily #1.

[Matts4313]

6 minutes ago, MKnight82 said:

I mean I get all of the All Pro nods for smith, but Irvin has 3 rings and was a big contributor to those.  Smith hasn't won anything.  

Have I ever shared the story when I watched Irvin run until he puked everywhere? I had to be like 5 years old. It was wild to see. 

[Matts4313]

7 minutes ago, CAPJ said:

you forgot the great L.P.

I just assumed he was a shoe in for top spot. 

[MKnight82]

8 minutes ago, D82 said:

That's not necessarily his fault. 

When you are talking about legacy rings matter. 

[plan9misfit]

9 hours ago, D82 said:

He's easily #1.

Wrong. Pat McQuistan is #1.

[plan9misfit]

9 hours ago, Matts4313 said:

I just assumed he was a shoe in for top spot. 

How dare you downplay and forget about the GOAT, Pat McQuistan.

[plan9misfit]

HIS

JAWS

ARE

CHOM - PING

OOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!

[D82]

10. Troy Aikman (1989-2000)



Career Highlights/Awards 
- 6x Pro Bowl selections (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) 
- 3x All-Pro selection (1993, 1994, 1995) 
- 3x Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) 
- Super Bowl XXVII MVP 
- Selected to the Ring of Honor in 2005 
- Selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 

"In my mind, I always judge a quarterback by how he plays in the big games. How does he perform in the playoffs? Troy Aikman always came up big in the big games." - Jimmy Johnson 

Heading into the 1989 season, the Dallas Cowboys had just come under new ownership. Long-time head coach Tom Landry was let go in favor of Jimmy Johnson, a relatively unfavorable move at the time. Jerry Jones looked to return this once proud franchise back to the promised land, and he put full faith that his former college teammate could do the job. 

While at Miami, Jimmy Johnson understood just how important the quarterback position is to a team looking to be successful. Drafted with the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, Troy Aikman was selected to be the franchise quarterback for a new era of Dallas Cowboys football, and would get his chance to shine immediately as the new coach instantly named him the starter. The team and Aikman struggled, however, winning just one game the entire season with Aikman posting horrid numbers. Luckily, the team showed faith in him, and did it ever pay off. 

The following season, things slowly began to turn around. The Cowboys won seven games, and Aikman vastly improved upon his rookie season. It wouldn't be until the 1992 season, however, that the former UCLA Bruin would finally begin to show his true potential. Setting career highs in completions, passing yards and touchdowns, Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to their best record in team history and into the postseason for the second consecutive year. 

During the postseason, Aikman also accomplished the feat of breaking the great Joe Montana's record of eighty-three passes with an interception, by posting eighty-nine without a turnover. Aikman had possibly his best performance of his playoff career against the 49ers in the Championship Game, completing two game changing completions to lead the team over San Francisco and into their first Super Bowl appearance since 1979. Weeks later, Aikman would have one of the best performances by a QB in the Super Bowl, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 52-17 blowout of the Buffalo Bills, and earning MVP honors. 

Aikman would go on to lead the team to the playoffs six more times, winning two Super Bowls in that time period. He would finish his career with the accomplishment of having the most wins of any quarterback in a single decade. Aikman was renowned for his resilience, passion, and leadership abilities. Though he never posted the most flashy numbers, he did what was needed and always came through for the team whenever they needed him, most often in the playoffs. He truly was the definition of what a Dallas Cowboys quarterback should be.

[D82]

9. Zack Martin (2014-current)



Career Highlights/Awards
- 6x Pro Bowl selection (2014-2019)
- 6x All-Pro selection (2014-2019)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team selection 

Going into the 2014 NFL Draft, there was rampant speculation that the Jerry Jones had fallen in love with Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and would select him if he were available when the Cowboys went on the clock with the 16th overall pick. That was put to the test when the Cowboys finally went on the clock and Manziel was sitting there, ripe for the picking. Luckily, smarter heads prevailed and the Cowboys would select Zack Martin instead, making it the second time in the decade that the team would spend their first pick on a offensive lineman. 

He was named the starter at right guard his rookie season, and has not let go of the position since, playing in 94 of 96 possible games during his career on his way to earning a Pro Bowl berth and All-Pro nomination in each of his six seasons as a starter and earning himself a spot on the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team. His 2019 selection to the Pro Bowl made him one of only five offensive lineman in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first six seasons, joining the likes of Joe Thomas, Richmond Webb, Lou Creekmur, and Jon Morris. Since the NFL merger in 1970, Martin is one of only six players in league history to have at least four All-Pro nominations and six Pro Bowl berths in his first six seasons, the others being Emmitt Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Barry Sanders, Patrick Willis, and Aaron Donald. Martin is also just the third offensive lineman to receive four first-team All-Pro selections in his first six seasons, joining Hall of Famer's Larry Allen and Anthony Munoz. 

Martin is a force on the interior of the offensive line, but perhaps his biggest asset is how disciplined he plays the game. He has been flagged just seventeen times during his NFL career, an average of less than three per season. He is widely regarded as the best offensive guard in the NFL, and if he maintains his level of play until retirement, it's highly likely he will see himself enshrined in Canton one day. 

[D82]

8. Tony Dorsett (1977-1987)



Career Highlights/Awards 
- 4x Pro Bowl selection (1978, 1981, 1982, 1983) 
- 1x First Team All-Pro selection (1981) 
- 2x Second Team All-Pro selection (1982, 1983) 
- 1x Super Bowl champion (XII) 
- 1977 NFL Rookie of the Year 
- Selected to the Ring of Honor in 1994 
- Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994 

"Tony Dorsett is one of the greatest backs in NFL history." - Roger Staubach 

The Cowboys selected Tony Dorsett, the skinny kid from Alquippa, Pennsylvnia who lit up the college world the year before at Pittsburgh, in the first round in 1977. As a rookie, Dorsett continued his trend of proving the doubters wrong and excelled in a duel role with Preston Pearson, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns on his way to winning Rookie of the Year honors and helped the Cowboys on their way to the Super Bowl. 

In Super Bowl XII, the Cowboys mainly relied on the arm of Staubach and the presence of the "Doomsdy Defense" to win the game, but Dorsett still rushed for 66 yards and even got in the endzone once during what would be his only Super Bowl victory. Dorsett was arguably the best back the Cowboys ever had, rushing for 12,739 yards and 92 touchdowns during his impressive ten year tenure in Dallas. During an '83 game against the Vikings, Dorsett has one of his best moments in the NFL when he scored a 99-yard touchdown run, a record that can never be broken. 

Dorsett assisted the Cowboys to one Super Bowl victory and eight postseason appearances over his eleven-year career with the team. They would endure just two seasons during that span. Dorsett was let go by the team after the 1987 season, playing only one more league in the year with the Denver Broncos, the same team he beat in the biggest game in the NFL to start his career, before retiring.

[D82]

7. DeMarcus Ware (2005-2013)



Career Highlights/Awards 
- 7x Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 
- 4x First Team All-Pro selection (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) 
- 3x Second Team All-Pro selection (2006, 2010, 2012) 
- NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2008) 
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team 

"He's the best outside linebacker in the league, no doubt about it." - Wade Phillips 

Twenty years from now, when fans look back over some of Jerry Jones' best decisions as a GM, they will most likely remember when; while on the clock at 11th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, Mr. Jones overruled then head coach Bill Parcells (who had wanted Marcus Spears) and selected a little-known prospect out of Troy by the name of DeMarcus Ware. 

Ware would go on to be a stalwart on the Cowboys defense, earning the nickname of "The Warewolf" for his fierce pass rushing ability. He helped finish out some very close games for the Cowboys during his career on several occasions and was a defensive cornerstone for the team. Sadly, Ware would never win a ring while wearing the Star, and the 2013 season would be his last with the squad as they transitioned to a 4-3 defense under Monte Kiffin. In 2014 he would sign with the Denver Broncos and the following season, after reuniting with his former head coach Wade Phillips, would win his first Super Bowl ring as a member of the Broncos. 

Ware was considered one of the best defensive players in the league, let alone at his position for the majority of his career. He put his pass rushing skills on display in 2008, when he led the NFL with 20 sacks, giving serious chase to the single-season sack record set by Michael Strahan. He again came close to breaking the single-season sack record in 2011, when he recorded 19.5 sacks. Ware would break the franchise record in sacks during the 2013 season, finishing his career with the Cowboys with a total of 117 sacks, six more than the previous record set by Harvey Martin in 1977. 

He also holds the distinction of being only the 3rd player in NFL history to record 10+ sacks in seven consecutive seasons, the other two being Reggie White and John Randle. Ware is also the second fastest player to reach 100+ sacks (behind Reggie White) and only the 29th player in NFL history to do so. He also has recorded 28 multiple sack games and 32 forced fumbles, both totals are the most in club history. Following the 2016 season, Ware would sign a ceremonial contract to retire as a Dallas Cowboy. 

[D82]

6. Mel Renfro (1964-1977)



Career Highlights/Awards 
- 10x Pro Bowl selection (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973) 
- 1x First Team All-Pro selection (1969) 
- 3x Second Team All-Pro selection (1964, 1972, 1973) 
- 2x Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII) 
- 1970 Pro Bowl MVP 
- Selected to the Ring of Honor in 1986 
- Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996 

"The best in the league at free safety." - Tom Landry 

A second round pick by the Cowboys in 1964, Renfro originally began his career as a safety. Renfro excelled at the position, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his six seasons at the position. While playing the position, Renfro racked up an outstanding 30 interceptions during his time in the backfield. 

After Landry moved Renfro to corner during the 1970 season, Renfro saw his interception totals decline but this was due in part to quarterback's respecting his talent and beginning to throw his way less and less. He still holds the record for career interception return with 626 yards. Renfro was an integral part of the "Doomsday Defense" during the 70's with the Cowboys. 

Renfro made the playoffs in all but three seasons of his fourteen year career, helping the Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships and four Conference Championships. He was named to ten Pro Bowls and selected to ten All-Pro teams, a remarkable feat. Following the Cowboys 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII, Renfro decided to hang up the cleats on what would be a Hall of Fame career. He holds the Cowboys record for interceptions in a career with 52, and his 10 consecutive Pro Bowl bids are second only to Bob Lilly's 11 in Cowboys history.

[WizardHawk]

Tony Dorsett and Jan. 3rd 1983.....the day my fanhood was born.

 

 

It's beautiful....

 

 

 

btw.....it's 99.5 yds. Get it right ya filthy animal..

Edited July 8, 2020 by WizardHawk

[D82]

5. Emmitt Smith (1990-2002)



Career Highlights/Awards 
- 8x Pro Bowl selection (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999) 
- 4x First Team All-Pro selection (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995) 
- 1x Second Team All-Pro selection (1991) 
- 3x Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) 
- Super Bowl XXVIII MVP 
- AP MVP of the 1993 NFL Regular Season 
- 1990 NFL Rookie of the Year 
- Member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team 
- Selected to the Ring of Honor in 2005 
- Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2010 

"You talk about great players making everyone around them better. That couldn't be more true of anybody than Emmitt Smith." - Daryl Johnston 

When Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones selected this running back from Florida in the 1st round of the 1990 NFL Draft, it was doubtful they could have predicted the kind of career Emmitt Smith would go on to have. Many scouts and draft gurus at the time knocked Smith for his lack of size and speed, and sixteen other players were selected ahead of him, including Blair Thomas. 

In his first season in the league, Smith showed the skillset that would make him one of the best backs of all-time, with his ability to find the open hole and an incredible heart and passion that made him a very dependable workhorse. He ran for over 937 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on his way to winning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing himself as "that guy" in the Cowboys backfield. 

From 1991 until his departure in 2002, Smith would go on to rush for over 17,162 yards and an amazing 164 touchdowns. Smith lead the league in rushing four times during that span, helped the Cowboys on their way to three Super Bowl championships, and became the first player in the history of the NFL in 2001 to post 11 consecutive 1,000 rushing seasons in a career. During his impressive 13 season career with the Cowboys, Smith only missed a total of 11 games. After an October, 27 game during what would be his final season as a Cowboy, Emmitt Smith would break the record set by former great Walter Payton and become the NFL's all-time leading rusher after an 11-yard run late in the 4th quarter. 

He will go down as a member of "The Triplets", possibly one of the greatest trio's ever in professional sports. A guy who, despite the odds, excelled and became one of the best players at his position which has featured the likes of Sanders, Payton, and Brown among others. For his amazing accomplishments over his thirteen seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Emmitt Smith was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first attempt in 2010.