5 Best Dallas Cowboys Players of All Time

The Dallas Cowboys became the NFL’s first new successful team in 1960, 10 years after the collapse of the All-American Football Conference. With majority owner Clint Murchison Jr., general manager Tex Schramm, head coach Tom Landry, and player personnel director Gil Bryant running the show in Dallas, this quartet would go on to lay the groundwork that ended up turning the Dallas Cowboys into “America’s Team”.

Since the formation of the Dallas Cowboys in 1960 they have won a total of five titles, but haven’t competed for the Lombardi trophy for nearly 30 years. Despite their Super Bowl drought though, the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most popular and storied organizations in the entire league and have had their fair share of legendary players wear the star over the years.

Throughout the franchise’s history, many popular players have suited up for the organization. While the majority of the players who have passed through the ranks were unheralded, others went on to reach legendary status cementing themselves in the history books for not only Dallas Cowboys, but in the NFL as well. The legendary players who played for Dallas listed below are the ones who set the standards and expectations for all of those who have followed afterwards.

5. Randy White (1975-1988)

You can’t have a best of the best players list without Randy White entering into the conversation somewhere. We have him as No. 5 of the best Dallas Cowboys players of all time, although he didn’t go unchallenged for this distinction.

Nicknamed “The Manster” (half man, half monster), White was a defensive do-it-all as a linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle during his 14 seasons with the Cowboys. He spent his entire career with the organization and finished with nine Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro selections, and one Super Bowl title where he was named the game’s Co-Most Valuable Player. He was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

4. Emmitt Smith (1990-2002)

There’s no questioning Emmitt Smith as one of the five best Dallas Cowboys players of all time. The only question is where he would end up being slotted on this list. We have the NFL’s all-time leading rusher coming in at No. 4.

The most productive running back in NFL history finished his career with 18,355 rushing yards, a record that has yet to be broken. He spent a total of 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and in his career was an eight-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, three-time Super Bowl champion and one-time Super Bowl MVP. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

3. Larry Allen (1994-2005)

Larry Allen is arguably the best offensive lineman in the history of the league and comes in at No. 3 of the best Dallas Cowboys players of all time. Much like Randy White, he was a do-it-all offensive player in his 12 seasons with the Cowboys, playing every position except center.

In his 14-year career, Larry Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, a one-time Super Bowl champion, and was named to both the NFL’s 1990s and 2000s All-Decade Team. He was one of the most freakishly strong, athletic, and physically imposing offensive lineman to ever play the game and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

2. Bob Lily (1961-1974)

With a nickname like “Mr. Cowboy” you are all but guaranteed a spot as one of the best Dallas Cowboys players of all time. Bob Lily was the first ever draft pick for the Cowboys organization and helped lay the groundwork that turned the franchise into what it is today.

Bob Lily played his entire 14-year career with the Dallas Cowboys and played in and started in all 196 games. In his career he was named to 11 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pros, and earned one Super Bowl title with the Cowboys. He was also a member of the NFL’s 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Team. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

1. Roger Staubach (1969-1979)

Finally, coming in at No. 1 is “Captain America” himself, Roger Staubach. After serving his time in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys as a 27-year-old rookie and went on to become the best player to ever wear the silver and blue.

Roger Staubach spent his entire 11-year career with the Dallas Cowboys. He won two Super Bowls and led them to a total of four during his time with the organization. He was also a six-time Pro Bowler and was selected to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.