The Dallas Cowboys are the most storied franchise in the entire NFL, and as such, boast several of the best players in NFL history. Current stars Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott project to be on this list in a few years, but they have a long way to go to reach the accomplishments of the best players in franchise history. Here are the 10 greatest players that have ever won the Cowboys uniform:
10) QB Tony Romo
Romo's time with the team appears to be over, but there is no mistaking how accomplished his career with Dallas has been. The start of his career was incredible, going from an undrafted free agent to earning the starting job in 2006, and all he has done is become the franchise leader in passing yards, touchdowns and fourth quarter comebacks/game-winning drives.
9) RB Tony Dorsett
Dorsett played 11 years for the Cowboys, rushing for a total of 12,739 yards and 72 touchdowns while catching 382 passes for 3,432 yards and 13 touchdowns for his career. He played a vital role in Dallas' win in Super Bowl XII and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
8) WR Michael Irvin
Irvin spent his entire career (1988-1999) with the Cowboys, and despite some off-field issues, caught 750 passes for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns in his career. Probably the best receiver in the NFL in the early 1990's, making the Pro Bowl five times and winning three Super Bowls.
7) TE Jason Witten
Witten is still one of the best tight ends in today’s game, and remains one of the most well-rounded players at the position. Many tight ends are classified as either receiving or blocking tight ends, but Witten excels in both areas. He is the franchise leader in receptions with 1,089, to go along with 11,888 yds and 63 touchdowns in his career.
6) OG Larry Allen
Allen was one of the best offensive lineman in the NFL throughout his career (1994-2005), being named an All-Pro six times and an 11-time Pro Bowler. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
5) QB Troy Aikman
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1989 draft spent his entire career with the Cowboys, and retired as the franchise leader in passing yardage with 32,942 yards. The six-time Pro Bowler is most noted for leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowls in the early 1990's.
4) DT Randy White
White was originally drafted as a linebacker, but switched to defensive tackle after two years to become the game changing defensive tackle he's known as. He was co-MVP of the Super Bowl in 1978 and finished his career with 52.5 sacks - but his impact goes well beyond the stats.
3) QB Roger Staubach
Dallas drafted Staubach in 1964, and though he didn't start his career until 1969 due to his service in the Navy, he's the best 10th round pick in NFL history. He was the second-highest rated passer (83.4) in NFL history at the time of his retirement, won five NFC Championships and two Super Bowls.
2) DT Bob Lilly
Lilly played before they officially started recording sacks and other defensive stats, but he was the best player on Dallas' “Doomsday Defense” of the 1960s–1970's. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980 and was the first Cowboys player inducted into the Ring of Honor.
1) RB Emmitt Smith
The NFL's all-time leading rusher has to be first on this list. He finished his career with 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns, 17,162 and 153 of which game with the Cowboys. Smith won the MVP twice, is an eight-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and, of course, was part of the three Super Bowl teams of the early 1990's.
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