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The 10 best Cowboys players of all time showcase the rich history of the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise often referred to as “America’s Team.”
With a legacy that includes five Super Bowl championships, the Cowboys have been home to many legendary athletes. This abundance of talent makes it challenging to pinpoint the greatest players in the team’s history.
FOX Sports Research undertook the task of ranking the top 10 Cowboys players, utilizing statistics and performance analysis to create their list.
While some selections are expected, others may surprise fans when examining their contributions to the franchise.
How does your favorite Cowboy stack up?
Let’s explore the rankings:
10. Jason Witten
Jason Witten stands out as one of the premier tight ends in NFL history, significantly enhancing the Cowboys’ offensive play during the 2000s and 2010s. His consistent performance earned him 11 Pro Bowl selections throughout his 16 seasons with the team. Witten achieved at least 900 receiving yards in seven seasons, often coinciding with successful years for the Cowboys. Although he did not secure a Super Bowl victory in Dallas, he ranks second among tight ends in receptions (1,228) and receiving yards (13,046), and sixth in touchdown receptions (74). His impressive reception total ranks fourth overall in NFL history.
9. Mel Renfro
Mel Renfro was among the first stars to shine for the Cowboys, joining the team in 1964. His immediate impact was evident as he earned a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season, marking the beginning of a remarkable 10-year streak. Renfro played a pivotal role in two Super Bowl victories and made a crucial interception in the 1970 NFC Championship Game, leading to a game-winning touchdown against the 49ers. With a career total of 52 interceptions, Renfro holds the record for the most interceptions in Cowboys history and ranks fifth among safeties in NFL history.
8. Michael Irvin
Michael Irvin was a key figure in the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s, forming one-third of the famed “Triplets.” His performance in Super Bowl XXVII was particularly memorable, as he recorded six receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. Irvin earned five Pro Bowl selections and achieved seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons during his career. Although his playing days were cut short due to a spinal injury in 1999, his impact on the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl victories is undeniable.
7. Randy White
Randy White, a dominant force on the defensive line, played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ success during the 1970s and 1980s. He was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl win in 1977, earning co-MVP honors for his outstanding performance. White’s career was marked by nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and he recorded at least 10 unofficial sacks in five seasons, finishing with a total of 111 unofficial sacks over his 14-year career.
6. Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett made a significant impact in his rookie season, contributing to the Cowboys’ 1977 championship run. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Dorsett’s career featured four Pro Bowl selections and he consistently ranked among the league’s top rushers. He finished his career with 12,739 rushing yards, placing him 10th all-time.
5. Larry Allen
Larry Allen, drafted in 1994, became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. Over his 14-year career, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors. Allen’s versatility allowed him to excel at both left tackle and guard, and he was named to two NFL All-Decade teams for the 1990s and 2000s.
4. Bob Lilly
Bob Lilly’s Hall of Fame career laid the groundwork for the Cowboys’ defense. A Pro Bowler for 11 of his 14 seasons, Lilly was instrumental in the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl victory in 1971. He recorded 95.5 sacks during his career and became the first player inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor.
3. Emmitt Smith
2. Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s, leading the team to three Super Bowl championships. Aikman was known for his precision passing, earning six Pro Bowl selections. His performance in Super Bowl XXVII, where he threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Cowboys history.
1. Roger Staubach
Roger Staubach, affectionately known as “Captain America,” played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ rise to prominence. He led the team to four Super Bowl appearances, winning two, and was named MVP of Super Bowl VI. With the most wins of any quarterback from 1969 to 1979, Staubach’s influence on the game earned him six Pro Bowl selections and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He remains the only quarterback to have won both the Heisman Trophy and induction into the Hall of Fame.
Honorable Mentions:
- Bob Hayes
- DeMarcus Ware
- Drew Pearson
- Charles Haley
- Chuck Howley
- Rayfield Wright
- Zack Martin
