The storied and successful Dallas Cowboys, "America's Team," as their fans lovingly call them, are one of the NFL's most historic franchises. The Cowboys have been around since 1960, and they certainly have made their mark on the league. Many storied players have exemplified what it is to be a Cowboy, and this piece will take you through the ten most valuable players in Cowboys history, showing how each helped shape this franchise and the game.
1. Emmitt Smith (RB, 1990-2002)
At the top of our list is Emmitt Smith, arguably not just the best Cowboy franchise he has ever had but also one of the best running backs in NFL history. The balance of vision, durability, and pure toughness made Smith a nightmare for opposing defenses throughout his Hall of Fame career.
Notable achievements include:
- 8-time Pro Bowl selection
- 4-time First-Team All-Pro
- NFL MVP in 1993
- 3-time Super Bowl champion
- Super Bowl XXVIII MVP
For all those reasons, Smith's most impressive feat may be his NFL record for career rushing yards (18,355) and total rushing touchdowns (164). The Cowboys had arguably the best clutch player in NFL history, and a key element of their dynasty, mostly run through Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, and Tony Romo, makes sense, became known as "Romokes" between themselves by game day.
2. Roger Staubach (QB, 1969-1979)
Roger Staubach, sometimes known as “Captain America”, was the epitome of dominance in the 1970's. The Cowboys were a national power thanks to his blending of leader, playmaker, and innovative passing styles at the quarterback position.
Notable achievements include:
- 6-time Pro Bowl selection
- 2-time Super Bowl champion
- Super Bowl VI MVP
- NFL Man of the Year (1978)
- induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Staubach was a tremendous passer who could extend plays with his legs. He was a four-time passer-rating NFL leader and the first person to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP. There is no way you can make a list of the greatest Cowboys players without including someone so significantly responsible for both their good fortune and establishing that culture.
3. Bob Lilly (DT, 1961-1974)
Bob Lilly played the role of franchise cornerstone in his own right, earning a nickname "Mr. Cowboy" and building a gold standard for Dallas on defense. The Cowboys weren't in a position to become the unquestioned powerhouse of their era that would dominate throughout much of the 1960s and early '70s without his dominance on the defensive line.
Notable achievements include:
- 11-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-Team All-Pro
- Super Bowl VI champion
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Lilly had phenomenal speed and footwork for a man his size, so many offensive players found it difficult to beat him one-on-one. Lilly's strength and quickness made it almost impossible for any NFL lineman in history to block; some consider Lilly the most dominant defensive lineman ever in league history.
4. Troy Aikman (QB, 1989-2000)
During the Cowboys' dynastic run of the 1990s, Troy Aikman provided a steady hand at quarterback. His pinpoint passing, ability to manage the game, and comfort level when under duress were equal parts of why this team has been so successful.
Notable achievements include:
- 6-time Pro Bowl selection
- 3-time Super Bowl champion
- Super Bowl XXVII MVP
- Elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Aikman, with 32,942 career passing yards and 165 touchdown passes, is among the Cowboy's all-time greats. He got the ball into the hands of his playmakers, weapons like Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith, resulting in one of history's most prolific offenses. Add his leadership and championship resume, and he ranks as one of the all-time greats.
5. Randy White (DT/LB, 1975-1988)
Known as The Manster, which was either short for half man and a half monster or some weird nickname that stuck because he played forever, White was a versatile and dominating force on the Cowboys' defense. He was a nightmare for opposing offenses because he could play just about anywhere on the field, and he was forever relentless in his playing style.
Notable achievements include:
- 9-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-Team All-Pro
- Super Bowl XII co-MVP
- Pro Football Hall Of Fame Inductee
Since sacks weren't an official NFL stat for much of White's playing days, the Cowboys credit him with 111 at defensive tackle, which is not too shabby. While listed as a cornerback during his time with the Cowboys, he was a versatile player who could disrupt plays from multiple positions along the defensive front.
6. Tony Dorsett (RB, 1977-1987)
Tony Dorsett was a man who mixed explosive quickness and game-breaking potential, the perfect complement to what Dallas Cowboys fans saw through the air. His ability to run out of the grasp of defenders and always spring a game-breaking play was unlike any other player on the field, then or now.
Notable achievements include:
- 4-time Pro Bowl selection
- Super Bowl XII champion
- 1977 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Inductee, Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dorsett ran for 12,036 yards and scored on 72 of his rushing attempts while with the Cowboys, including a famous run for a touchdown from the opposing end zone against Minnesota in 1983, still an NFL record at that distance (99 yards). Add his accomplishment on Dallas' offense, along with being a touchdown threat for any play, and Smith is easily one of the best to ever wear Silver and Blue.
7. Michael Irvin (WR, 1988-1999)
Michael Irvin, dubbed ‘The Playmaker’ for his ability to make plays at key moments, was the emotional leader and main receiving threat during those great Cowboy years of domination in the 1990s. His career was defined by his fierce competitiveness and clutch performances in immense moments.
Notable achievements include:
- 5-time Pro Bowl selection
- 3-time Super Bowl champion
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
From 1988 to '99, Irvin was a three-time Pro Bowler and had career numbers in receptions (750) and receiving yards (11,904). His touchdown catches were the third-most in franchise history, with 65 overall. His ability to catch the ball in traffic, solid receiver skills, and great chemistry with Troy Aikman made him an integral part of those Cowboys championship teams.
8. Larry Allen (G/T, 1994-2005)
Larry Allen is among the most violent, dominant offensive linemen ever. His tremendous strength, speed, and quickness enabled him to play multiple positions interior on the offensive line.
Notable achievements include:
- 11-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-Team All-Pro
- Super Bowl XXX champion
- 1990s All-Decade Team and 2000s All-Decade Team
- Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Cowboys' offense thrived on Allen's ability to frustrate defenders during run blocking and pass protection. His presence on the line was stability, which opened things up for guys like Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman to thrive.
9. Mel Renfro (CB/S, 1964-1977)
In the 1960s and early '70s, Mel Renfro was one of a handful of legitimate stars in the Dallas Cowboys secondary. He had the speed, ball-hawker traits, and ability to play multiple spots at WR and RB.
Notable achievements include:
- 10-time Pro Bowl selection
- 5-time First-Team All-Pro
- 2-time Super Bowl champion
Renfro easily ranks second all-time in Cowboys history with 52 career picks. He was undoubtedlya crucial part of the Cowboys' first two Super Bowl championships. On many occasions, they could rely heavily upon him to neutralize opposing receivers as one of the most feared defensive backs ever getting off that bus.
10. Jason Witten (TE, 2003-2017, 2019)
For the better part of a decade, his durability, good hands, and blocking ability made him the foundation of Dallas' offense. After an illustrious career, it's undebatable to say thatJason Witten is one of the most stable and solid TEs in NFL history
Notable achievements include:
- 11-time Pro Bowl selection
- 2-time First-Team All-Pro
- Walter Payton Man of the Year (2012)
His consistency and long career are reflected in his ranking of second all-time among Cowboys players in receptions and yards. He became invaluable in the Cowboys' offense, knowing how to find space from defenders and providing a safety valve for quarterbacks.
As a result, these ten players make up the best of their kind in Dallas Cowboys history. With their on-field contributions and locker-room leadership within the franchise legacy, they cemented the Cowboys as one of "America's Teams" and arguably the most successful team in NFL history. From early legends such as Bob Lilly through modern-day stars like Jason Witten and beyond, they have helped create a legacy that remains unrivaled in Cowboys history.
