While the Dallas Cowboys haven’t won the Super Bowl in almost 30 years after collecting five titles, some legendary players have worn the star over the years.
Ranking the Greatest Players in Dallas Cowboys History
Throughout the franchise’s history, many popular players have played for the Cowboys, from global stars who have made massive brand names for themselves to unheralded heroes who have come up big in the brightest moments.
While the franchise hasn’t met its goals in recent years, the standard and expectations have been set, with many of the names on this list securing the ultimate prize while cementing their NFL legacies forever.
10) Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett was the Dallas Cowboys’ second overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, and the running back quite literally hit the ground running. In his first season of NFL action, Dorsett rushed for 1,007 yards on 208 carries and finished with 12 touchdowns.
Dorsett spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys and only three times finished with under 1,000 yards rushing in a season. Dorsett finished his career as a Hall-of-Famer following four Pro Bowls, one first-team All-Pro selection, and one Super Bowl title.
He finished his Cowboys career with 12,036 rushing yards and 72 touchdowns, cementing his place among the 10 greatest players to ever play for the franchise.
9) Rayfield Wright
Rayfield Wright started his Cowboys career as a tight end for two seasons before switching over to the offensive line, where he became a legendary NFL figure.
In his NFL career, Wright made six Pro Bowls, was named an All-Pro six times, three of which were on the first team, and won two Super Bowls as a member of the Cowboys. His Hall-of-Fame career earned him a spot on the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team as well.
Wright was affectionately known as “Big Cat” for his quick feet, and he used that athleticism to be one of the game’s best offensive linemen of all time. The former seventh-round selection in the 1967 NFL Draft changed positions and changed the trajectory of his career, putting him among the best to ever wear the star.
8) Mel Renfro
Mel Renfro played all 14 years of his NFL career with Dallas and was sensational the entire time. The Hall-of-Fame defensive back finished his career with 10 Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl titles, and four second-team All-Pro selections.
Renfro finished his career with 52 interceptions and three touchdowns, proving he was a true ballhawk, well before his time.
7) Michael Irvin
“The Playmaker” was a true megastar in every way for the Cowboys. During the height of their popularity, Irvin was one of the main faces of the franchise during the dynasty run in the ’90s.
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The playmaking wide receiver finished his Hall of Fame career with five Pro Bowl nods, one first-team All-Pro selection, and three Super Bowl titles. Irvin was also selected to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
Irvin played all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys and finished his career with 750 receptions, 11,904 receiving yards, and 65 touchdowns.
6) Randy White
You can’t tell the story of the Dallas Cowboys without mentioning defensive do-it-all Randy White. From playing linebacker to defensive end and tackle, there wasn’t much that White couldn’t do during his time with the Cowboys.
White spent all 14 seasons of his NFL career in Dallas. He 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 while being named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
5) Troy Aikman
After being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by Dallas, Troy Aikman faced immensely high expectations when he arrived. After a rocky start in his rookie season, he ended up exceeding them all.
The Hall of Fame QB was a six-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champion, and a one-time Super Bowl MVP in his career, all with the Cowboys.
Aikman was the man in charge of the Cowboys dynasty in the ’90s, and his toughness, skill, and clutch gene are why he rounds out the top five greatest Cowboys of all time.
4) Emmitt Smith
When talking about Emmitt Smith, don’t forget to mention that he is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
The most productive running back in NFL history rightfully belongs at the top of this list. Alongside his former teammates Aikman and Irvin, Smith’s impact on the franchise is profound.
Smith finished his Hall of Fame career with 18,355 rushing yards, a mark that has yet to be broken. Smith is also an eight-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, three-time Super Bowl champion, and one-time Super Bowl MVP.
Smith spent 13 seasons with the Cowboys and is the gold standard among a history of stellar running backs who have worn the star before and after him.
3) Larry Allen
Larry Allen is arguably the greatest offensive guard in NFL history. In his 14-year Hall of Fame career, Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, winner of one Super Bowl title, and a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
Allen was freakishly strong and athletic and may be the most physically imposing player to ever play in the NFL. Considering that he played one of the game’s least glamorous positions, for him to be able to stand out and gain recognition as he did is a true testament to his ability.
2) Bob Lilly
When your nickname is Mr. Cowboy, not much else needs to be said. Lilly was the first draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys franchise and helped lay the groundwork for the organization to this day.
Lilly played his entire 14-year Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys and finished with 11 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pros, and one Super Bowl title. He is a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
Lilly played in and started all 196 games of his career, and there may not be a player who embodies the Dallas Cowboys quite like Lilly. The born-and-bred Texan is Mr. Cowboy for a reason, and he comes in on our list at No. 2 behind only one man.
1) Roger Staubach
Last, and certainly not least, coming in at No. 1 is Captain America himself, Roger Staubach. The Cowboys’ legendary quarterback of the 1970s settles in as the best player in franchise history, and when looking at the numbers and the impact, it’s clear to see why.
Staubach spent all 11 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys, winning two Super Bowls and being named to six Pro Bowls. Staubach was also selected to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
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While the numbers are impressive, especially for the era he played in, his lasting impact is why he is the greatest player in Cowboys history.
From serving in the U.S. Navy to being the QB of America’s Team, no one embraced the spotlight more than Staubach. In a history full of worthy candidates, Staubach shines alone at the top among the stars to ever wear the silver and blue.