Top 10 Dallas Cowboys of All Time: Celebrating the Legends of America’s Team
When you think about the Dallas Cowboys, certain legends come to mind, shaping one of football’s iconic teams. You’ve got players like Roger Staubach commanding the field with unparalleled leadership and Emmitt Smith redefining the running back role. The likes of Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin brought a dynamic edge that’s hard to forget.
But who truly stands out among the Top 10 Dallas Cowboys of All Time? Their grit, unmatched skill, and often underappreciated contributions have defined the legacy of this storied franchise. These players didn’t just shine under the bright lights—they set the standard for what it means to play for America’s Team.
Table of Contents
1. Emmitt Smith
- Years Played for Team: 1990-2002
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’9″ / 221 lbs
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Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, defined excellence during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his vision, balance, and durability, Smith was a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s.
His powerful running style and ability to find gaps in defenses made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Smith’s crowning moment came as he led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 1994.
Beyond his stats, Smith’s leadership and work ethic left an indelible mark on the franchise, becoming a symbol of consistency and success.
- Accolades:
- NFL All-Time Leading Rusher
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- Super Bowl XXVIII MVP
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection
- 4× First-team All-Pro
- NFL MVP (1993)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
- Hall of Fame Inductee (2010)
2. Roger Staubach
- Years played for Team: 1969-1979
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 197 lbs
Roger Staubach, affectionately known as “Captain America,” played a pivotal role in establishing the Dallas Cowboys as “America’s Team” during the 1970s. Renowned for his leadership and poise under pressure, Staubach was a master of the comeback, frequently orchestrating late-game rallies.
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His dual-threat capabilities, combining a strong arm with formidable scrambling ability, set him apart from his peers. Staubach led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII), leaving behind a legacy as one of the franchise’s most iconic players.
His contributions extended off the field, with his professionalism setting a standard for future generations.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII)
- Super Bowl MVP (VI)
- 6× Pro Bowl selections
- NFL Man of the Year (1978)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1985)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor inductee
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team member
3. Troy Aikman
- Years Played for Team: 1989-2000
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’4″ / 219 lbs
Troy Aikman, drafted as the first overall pick in 1989, became the cornerstone for the Dallas Cowboys’ resurgence in the 90s. Known for his remarkable poise and accuracy, Aikman’s leadership on the field was instrumental in guiding the team to three Super Bowl victories.
His precise passing and ability to read defenses solidified his reputation as one of the game’s most reliable quarterbacks.
Aikman’s connection with fellow Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith was pivotal in crafting one of the NFL’s legendary offenses. His legacy endures as a key figure in returning the Cowboys to prominence.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2006)
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- Super Bowl XXVII MVP
- 6× Pro Bowl selections
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Inductee
- Career Passing Yards: 32,942
- Career Touchdowns: 165
4. Michael Irvin
- Years played for Team: 1988-1999
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6 feet 2 inches / 207 pounds
Michael Irvin, known as “The Playmaker,” was a legendary wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, playing an integral role in the team’s dominance during the 1990s. Irvin’s game was marked by a fearless approach and an exceptional ability to make clutch catches, often turning games in the Cowboys’ favor.
His physicality and precise route running made him a nightmare for defenders, and his leadership was pivotal in driving the team’s success. Irvin’s legacy with the Cowboys includes being a key component in their three Super Bowl wins, reinforcing the team’s status as a dynasty.
- Accolades:
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- 5× Pro Bowl Selection (1991-1995)
- First-team All-Pro (1991)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)
- Career receiving yards: 11,904
5. Tony Dorsett
- Years Played: 1977-1987
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5 ft 11 in, 192 lbs
Tony Dorsett was a dynamic running back known for his agility and speed, which he used to great effect over his decade-long tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Drafted in 1977, Dorsett immediately made an impact by rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season, helping lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory.
Renowned for his ability to break away for long runs, his 99-yard touchdown run in 1983 remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Dorsett’s consistent performances elevated the Cowboys and left an indelible mark on the franchise’s storied legacy.
- Accolades:
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1977)
- 4× Pro Bowl selection
- 1× Super Bowl Champion (XII)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1994)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor inductee
6. Larry Allen
- Years Played for Team: 1994-2005
- Position: Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 325 lbs
Larry Allen was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his formidable strength and exceptional footwork, Allen was a dominant force in both pass protection and run blocking.
His presence on the field was pivotal in providing stability and protection for quarterbacks and opening up lanes for running backs. Allen’s tenacity and skill contributed greatly to the Cowboys’ offensive success, making him a beloved figure among fans.
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His impact was such that he was often tasked with neutralizing the opponents’ most dangerous defensive linemen.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2013)
- 11-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-team All-Pro
- Member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
7. DeMarcus Ware
- Years Played for Cowboys: 2005-2013
- Position: Outside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 258 lbs
DeMarcus Ware was a dominant force for the Dallas Cowboys during his nine-year tenure with the team. Known for his exceptional pass-rushing ability, Ware became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, consistently terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
His playing style was characterized by explosive speed, strength, and an instinctual knack for finding the quarterback, making him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
A key figure in many memorable games, Ware finished his Cowboys career as the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks. His contributions on and off the field left a lasting legacy with the team and its fans.
- Accolades:
- 7× Pro Bowl Selection (2006-2012)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2007-2009, 2011)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year Runner-up (2008)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor inductee
- Cowboys all-time leader in sacks (117)
8. Drew Pearson
- Years Played for Dallas Cowboys: 1973-1983
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 184 lbs
Drew Pearson, known as one of the most reliable wide receivers in Dallas Cowboys history, enjoyed a decade-long career marked by iconic plays and clutch performances.
An undrafted free agent in 1973, Pearson quickly became quarterback Roger Staubach’s go-to target, earning the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his critical catches in pivotal games. His most memorable moment came in a divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, when he caught the original “Hail Mary” pass, a pivotal part of NFL lore.
Pearson’s consistent play and leadership helped define the team’s success throughout the 1970s.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XII)
- 3× Pro Bowl selection (1974, 1976, 1977)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1974, 1976, 1977)
- NFL receiving yards leader (1977)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Inductee
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
9. Randy White
- Years played for Dallas Cowboys: 1975-1988
- Position: Defensive Tackle, Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 257 lbs
Randy White, famously known as the “Manster” for his half-man, half-monster prowess on the field, became a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line during his 14-season career. Drafted as a linebacker, White swiftly made his mark as a fearsome defensive tackle, recognized for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and indomitable spirit.
He played a vital role in leading the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XII, earning a co-MVP honor for his remarkable performance. White’s tough, aggressive playing style and leadership qualities have cemented his legacy as one of the most formidable defenders in Cowboys’ history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XII)
- Super Bowl Co-MVP (XII)
- 9× Pro Bowl selections
- 9× First-team All-Pro
- NFL All-Decade Team (1980s)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1994)
10. Bob Lilly
- Years Played for Dallas Cowboys: 1961-1974
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 260 lbs
Bob Lilly, fondly known as “Mr. Cowboy,” was the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense from their inception. His relentless playing style and versatility made him one of the most dominant defensive tackles in NFL history.
Lilly was known for his exceptional strength and quickness, which allowed him to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks consistently. A key moment in his career was a 29-yard sack of Dolphins’ quarterback Bob Griese in Super Bowl VI, helping secure the Cowboys’ first championship.
Lilly’s presence elevated the team’s defense and left a lasting legacy as perhaps the greatest Cowboy of all time.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1980)
- 11-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Team
- Super Bowl VI Champion
