The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history, with a trophy case full of Super Bowl wins and a roster that’s been stacked with legends over the years.
From dominant defenders to offensive dynamos, the ‘Boys have had some of the most unforgettable players in the game. So, who are the greatest Cowboys of all time? Let’s break it down.
11. Tony Romo (QB)
Yes, Tony Romo never won a Super Bowl, but if you don’t think he belongs on this list, you probably weren’t watching Cowboys football in the 2000s and 2010s. Romo was the face of the franchise for over a decade, putting up monster numbers and making the Cowboys competitive even when their defense was a mess. Plus, he’s one of the most entertaining quarterbacks to ever play, thanks to his knack for turning disaster into magic.
10. Jason Witten (TE)
If you needed a clutch catch on third down, Jason Witten was your guy. The dude played 17 seasons in a Cowboys uniform, putting up Hall of Fame-worthy numbers while being one of the toughest players in NFL history. Remember when he ran down the field with his helmet knocked off? Witten was all about grit, reliability, and breaking records—he’s the Cowboys’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
9. Tony Dorsett (RB)
Before Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett was the gold standard at running back for the Cowboys. He racked up over 12,000 rushing yards and helped lead Dallas to a Super Bowl title in his rookie season. Oh, and let’s not forget his 99-yard touchdown run—one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Dorsett was fast, elusive, and could break a game open at any moment.
8. DeMarcus Ware (DE/LB)
When you think of dominant pass rushers in Cowboys history, DeMarcus Ware has to be at the top of the list. The guy was an absolute terror for opposing quarterbacks, racking up 117 sacks in a Cowboys uniform. He was fast, powerful, and always seemed to be in the backfield before the offense even knew what hit them. Ware eventually got his Super Bowl ring with the Broncos, but he’ll always be a Cowboy legend.
7. Michael Irvin (WR)
The heart and soul of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, Michael Irvin didn’t just catch passes—he caught them with flair. “The Playmaker” was the emotional leader of the team and a nightmare for defensive backs. His 11,000+ receiving yards and three Super Bowl rings speak for themselves, but what really made Irvin special was his intensity. Love him or hate him, you couldn’t ignore him.
6. Randy White (DT/LB)
Nicknamed “The Manster” (half man, half monster), Randy White was a force of nature on the Cowboys’ defensive line in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. The Hall of Famer played with unmatched toughness and helped lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl XII win, where he was named co-MVP. Opposing offensive linemen probably still have nightmares about him.
5. Mel Renfro (CB/S)
A defensive back with ridiculous versatility, Mel Renfro played both safety and cornerback at an elite level. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler (TEN!) and helped the Cowboys win two Super Bowls. Renfro had speed, instincts, and an uncanny ability to shut down the NFL’s best receivers. The guy was basically a cheat code in the secondary.
4. Bob Lilly (DT)
The first-ever draft pick in Cowboys history, Bob Lilly set the standard for greatness in Dallas. He anchored the defense for over a decade and was one of the most dominant defensive tackles the game has ever seen. His nickname? “Mr. Cowboy.” Enough said.
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3. Troy Aikman (QB)
Some quarterbacks put up wild stats, and some just win. Troy Aikman falls into the latter category. He didn’t have gaudy numbers, but he was the perfect leader for the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, guiding the team to three Super Bowl titles. His poise, accuracy, and ability to come through in big moments made him the ultimate franchise quarterback.
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2. Roger Staubach (QB)
Before Aikman, there was Roger Staubach, the original Cowboys superstar QB. “Captain America” was a two-time Super Bowl champion and the definition of clutch. He brought excitement to every game, made impossible comebacks look routine, and helped turn the Cowboys into “America’s Team.” If the NFL had social media back in the ‘70s, Staubach would’ve broken the internet weekly.
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1. Emmitt Smith (RB)
There are a lot of Cowboys legends, but nobody embodies success quite like Emmitt Smith. He’s the all-time rushing leader, the heart of three Super Bowl-winning teams, and a guy who never took a play off. His 1993 season—where he won MVP, the rushing title, and a Super Bowl while playing through a separated shoulder—cemented him as the ultimate Cowboy.
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