What’s up, Cowboys fans? As we all gear up for another football season, We thought it would be fun to look back at the best players in Dallas Cowboys history.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to pay attention to the NFL, these players are sure to inspire you!
For all you Dallas Cowboys fans out there, I put together a list of the 25 best players in franchise history. So, without further ado, here’s my definitive list of the top Cowboys players ever.
#25. Zach Martin
Zach Martin plays offensive guard for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys drafted him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame. Martin has been selected to seven Pro Bowls and was named a First-Team All-Pro five times.
He is widely considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. Martin has helped the team to four division titles and two NFC Championship game appearances in his six seasons with the Cowboys.
He has also been a key part of an offense that has set numerous franchise records, including most points scored in a season and most total yards in a season.
Undoubtedly, Zach Martin has been a vital part of the Dallas Cowboys’ success over the past decade.
#24. Nate Newton
Newton played offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys from 1986 to 1998. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. During his time with the Cowboys, Nate won three Super Bowls and was part of one of the most successful teams in NFL history.
#23. Tony Romo
It’s hard to top Tony Romo as a Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Many of his passing records still stand, including the most passing yards, touchdown passes, and quarterback rating. He helped the team win a division title in 2014.
His accomplishments on the field have earned him widespread admiration from fans and pundits.
It takes a lot of talent to be a great quarterback, but Tony Romo is one of the greatest in Dallas Cowboys history.
#22. Deion Sanders
The legendary Deion Sanders is one of the best athletes of his generation. A two-sport star, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on both the football field and the baseball diamond.
After an impressive college career, Sanders was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He would go on to spend five seasons with the Falcons, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1991.
In 1993, Sanders made the bold decision to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the first player in NFL history to play for two teams in the same season.
The gamble paid off, as he helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory that year. After spending one more season with San Francisco, Sanders signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995.
He would spend four seasons with the Cowboys, winning another Super Bowl title in 1996.
Sanders appeared in six Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro four times during his illustrious career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
#21. Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history. During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, he established himself as a reliable target, racking up more than 1,000 receiving yards in six straight seasons.
Owens also proved to be a big-play threat, averaging more than 16 yards per reception throughout his career. In addition to his on-field successes, Owens was also known for his flamboyant personality, which often resulted in controversy.
However, there is no denying that Owens was among the most talented and popular players during his time with the Cowboys. His accomplishments helped to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
#20. Bob Hayes
Hayes was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1964 NFL Draft. He didn’t play his rookie year due to an injury. In his second year, he played and was a part of the Dallas Cowboys team that won the 1965 NFL Championship.
The next year he helped the team win Super Bowl I. He is considered one of the fastest players in NFL history and ran a 100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds.
He also set world records for the 220-yard dash and the 100-yard dash in 1966. Hayes was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
#19. Danny White
White began his career with the Cowboys in 1978 as a backup quarterback. He soon became the starter and held that position for most of his time with the team.
He was known for his strong arm and quick feet, which made him a formidable opponent on the field.
Perhaps White’s greatest accomplishment with the Cowboys was his record as the team’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.
He currently holds that distinction with 155 touchdowns, a record that is likely to never be broken. In addition to his skills as a quarterback, White was also known for his leadership and dedication to the team.
He is considered by many to be one of the most important players in Dallas Cowboys history and is definitely one of the best players of all time.
#18. Darren Woodson
Darren Woodson was drafted by the Cowboys in 1992 and spent his entire 12-year career in Dallas. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
Woodson was the Cowboys’ all-time leader in tackles (814) and interceptions (32).
He’s also one of only two players to have started in all five of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl appearances (the other is Bill Bates).
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Darren Woodson, though, is his durability. He missed only four games in his entire career and played at least 15 games for 11 consecutive seasons.
In an era when NFL players seem to break down more easily, that’s quite an accomplishment.
Woodson was known as a fierce hitter and a sure tackler. He was also very versatile, playing both safety positions as well as a cornerback.
#17. Larry Allen
Larry Allen is one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in NFL history. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time First-Team All-Pro during his 14-year career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Allen was widely considered to be one of the strongest and most physically imposing players in the league, and he regularly dominated opposing defensive linemen.
In addition to his on-field success, Allen was also a key leader for the Cowboys during some of their most successful seasons.
He was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, and his impact on the Cowboys franchise was undeniable.
Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, and his place among the greatest offensive linemen in league history is firmly cemented.
#16. Jason Witten
Jason played 15 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, racking up 1,152 catches for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns. He was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro four times.
He also holds the record for the most catches in a single season by a tight end, with 110 in 2012. Witten was an immensely popular player during his time with the Cowboys, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the franchise’s history.
#15. Charles Haley
Charles Haley was a member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1992 to 1996, during which time he won two Super Bowls with the team.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Haley was a key part of the Cowboys’ defense, recording 32 sacks over the course of his career.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Haley was also known for his colorful personality and antics, which often kept teammates on their toes.
Though he is no longer with the team, Charles Haley’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys is still felt today.
#14. Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott has had an incredible career with the Dallas Cowboys. Since being drafted in 2016, he has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL.
He rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season, helping the Cowboys to a 13-3 record. He followed that up with another stellar season in 2017, rushing for 983 yards and seven touchdowns.
Elliott’s biggest accomplishment came in 2018 when he helped the Cowboys to a division title and was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2019, Elliott once again proved to be one of the best running backs in the league, rushing for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He is currently on pace to have another great season in 2020, and there is no doubt that he will be remembered as one of the greatest Dallas Cowboys of all time.
#13. Mel Renfro
Though he was drafted as a defensive back, Mel Renfro was an incredible athlete who made significant contributions to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense as well.
In his 10 seasons with the team, he caught 39 touchdowns – an accomplishment all the more impressive given that he only started 31 games on offense.
On special teams, his speed and vision made him one of the league’s most dangerous return men. In fact, his career average of 26 yards per kickoff return is still an NFL record.
Though he is best remembered for his time on defense, Renfro’s versatility helped make him one of the most complete players in Cowboys history.
#12. DeMarcus Ware
DeMarcus began his career as a quarterback before being drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cowboys.
He soon switched to outside linebacker and became one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.
During his nine seasons with the Cowboys, Ware racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, including seven Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro selections, and three Second-Team All-Pro selections.
He also set a franchise record for sacks in a season (20) and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Though he is now retired, Ware’s legacy as one of the best defensive players in Cowboys history is secure.
#11. Rayfield Wright
Rayfield Wright is one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history.
He was a key member of the “Great Wall of Dallas” that helped the team win two Super Bowls in the 1970s, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Wright was known for his strength and durability, starting every game over a span of six seasons.
He was also a talented pass blocker, helping to protect Cowboys quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Danny White.
His work has inspired generations of fans, and he remains an iconic figure in DallasCowboys history.
#10. Lee Roy Jordan
Lee Roy Jordan was one of the best Dallas Cowboys of all time. He played middle linebacker for the team from 1963 to 1976 and was a key member of the legendary “Doomsday Defense.“
During his time with the Cowboys, Jordan won one Super Bowl, was selected to five Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro three times.
He is also the Cowboys’ all-time leader in tackles, with 1,283. In 1983, Jordan was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
#9. Herschel Walker
When Herschel Walker was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, it was seen as a coup for the struggling team.
Walker was a star running back who had already racked up several impressive accomplishments, including winning a Heisman Trophy and being named NFL Rookie of the Year.
The Cowboys were hoping that he could help turn their fortunes around. And indeed he did. In his first season with the team, Walker rushed for 1,514 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to their first playoff appearance in almost a decade.
He would go on to play four more seasons with the Cowboys, amassing over 8,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 61 total touchdowns.
Herschel Walker’s time with the Dallas Cowboys was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his spectacular career.
#8. Jay Novacek
As any Dallas Cowboys fan knows, Jay Novacek was one of the most dependable and versatile players on the team during the 1990s.
At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, he had the size to block defenders and the speed to outrun them. Novacek was selected to five Pro Bowls during his career, and he played a key role in helping the Cowboys win three Super Bowls.
Thanks in part to Jay Novacek, the Dallas Cowboys were one of the most successful teams of the 1990s, and he remains a beloved figure among fans even today.
#7. Randy White
Randy White was one of the most accomplished defensive linemen in NFL history. During his 14-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, he was named to nine Pro Bowls and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1978.
He was a key member of the Cowboys defense that helped the team win two Super Bowls in the 1970s. White was known for his relentless pass rushing and his ability to stuff the run. He is considered one of the best defensive linemen of all time.
#6. Drew Pearson
Drew Pearson was one of the most accomplished receivers in Dallas Cowboys history. He played for the team from 1973 to 1983, and during that time he amassed more than 650 receptions for over 11,000 yards.
He was a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1970s.
Pearson was also a key member of the Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XII in 1977. In that game, he caught four passes for 64 yards, including a touchdown.
#5. Michael Irvin
During his 11-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, he was selected to five Pro Bowls and helped the team win three Super Bowl titles.
Irvin was known for his impressive combination of size, speed, and strength, which made him nearly impossible to defend against.
In addition, he had a knack for making big plays in critical moments. His many accomplishments make him one of the greatest Dallas Cowboys players.
#4. Tony Dorsett
Tony was drafted by the Cowboys in 1977 and went on to have a decorated career. In his rookie season, Dorsett rushed for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns, en route to being named NFL Rookie of the Year.
He would go on to rush for over 1,000 yards in eight of his next nine seasons. In total, Dorsett amassed 12,739 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns over his 11-year career with the Cowboys.
He was also a two-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1982. Dorsett’s accomplishments reflect his status as one of the best running backs in Cowboys history.
#3. Troy Aikman
Aikman was a first-round draft pick in 1989, and he quickly became one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He led the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XXVII in 1992, and he was named the game’s MVP.
Aikman also won Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX, becoming the only quarterback in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Throughout his career, Aikman set numerous Cowboys records, including most passing yards and most touchdown passes. He retired from the NFL in 2000 after a successful 12-year career.
#2. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach is a Dallas Cowboys legend. He played quarterback for the team from 1969 to 1979, leading them to two Super Bowl victories.
In his 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Staubach was named six Pro Bowls and was named the NFL MVP in 1971.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Staubach’s accomplishments on the field are legendary, but he is also remembered for his leadership off the field.
He was a captain in the Navy before joining the Cowboys, and he used that experience to help instill a sense of discipline in his teammates.
He also served as a mentor to younger players, including future Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.
Staubach’s impact on the Dallas Cowboys cannot be overstated. He was a great player and an even better leader, and he helped to create a winning culture that has lasted for decades.
#1. Emmitt Smith
If you are a true cowboys fan then you know that this guy is an absolute legend. During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, he became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, amassing an incredible 17,162 yards over the course of his career.
He was also a three-time Super Bowl champion and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1993.
Smith achieved all of this despite playing for some mediocre Cowboys teams during his early years in the league. In fact, it was his determination and perseverance that helped to turn the Cowboys into a dynasty in the 1990s.
Smith was truly a once-in-a-generation talent, and his accomplishments will never be forgotten.
4th & 10
Although these kinds of lists are always up for debate, we feel confident in our selections for the best Dallas Cowboys players of all time.
From legendary players like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith to current stars like Jason Witten and Ezekiel Elliott, these men have made this team one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
It’s been a long journey to get here, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. The Cowboys are passionate about their team, and we hope you enjoy reading through this list as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
