The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, boasting a legacy filled with legendary players, iconic moments, and a standard of excellence that has defined “America’s Team” for decades. From the dynasties of the 1970s to the dominant teams of the 1990s and beyond, the Cowboys have been home to some of the greatest football players to ever step on the field. Narrowing down the top 10 players in franchise history is no easy task, but based on impact, longevity, championships, and individual accolades, these legends stand above the rest.
### **1. Roger Staubach (QB, 1969–1979)**
No list of the greatest Cowboys would be complete without “Captain Comeback” himself, Roger Staubach. A Heisman Trophy winner at Navy, Staubach became the face of the franchise in the 1970s, leading Dallas to two Super Bowl victories (VI, XII) and five NFC Championship appearances. His clutch performances in big moments earned him his nickname, as he engineered 23 fourth-quarter combacks in his career. Staubach was a six-time Pro Bowler, the 1971 Super Bowl MVP, and a Hall of Famer (1985). His leadership, poise, and winning mentality set the standard for all future Cowboys quarterbacks.
### **2. Emmitt Smith (RB, 1990–2002)**
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher (18,355 yards), Emmitt Smith was the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s. A three-time Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), Smith was the ultimate workhorse back, combining vision, toughness, and durability in a way few runners ever have. He won four rushing titles, was the 1993 NFL MVP, and earned Super Bowl XXVIII MVP honors. An eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro, Smith’s consistency and production make him not just one of the greatest Cowboys ever, but one of the best running backs in NFL history.
### **3. Bob Lilly (DT, 1961–1974)**
The original Cowboys superstar, Bob Lilly—nicknamed “Mr. Cowboy”—was the franchise’s first-ever draft pick and its first Hall of Famer (1980). A dominant force on the defensive line, Lilly anchored the “Doomsday Defense” and was instrumental in Dallas’ first Super Bowl victory (VI). An 11-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-Team All-Pro, Lilly’s combination of strength, quickness, and football IQ made him nearly unblockable in his prime. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history is secure, and he remains the gold standard for Cowboys defenders.
### **4. Troy Aikman (QB, 1989–2000)**
The No. 1 overall pick in 1989, Troy Aikman was the perfect quarterback for Jimmy Johnson’s dynasty in the 1990s. A three-time Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) and Super Bowl XXVII MVP, Aikman was the ultimate field general, known for his pinpoint accuracy, toughness in the pocket, and ability to perform under pressure. A six-time Pro Bowler, Aikman’s leadership helped turn the Cowboys from a 1-15 team into a powerhouse. Though his stats weren’t always gaudy, his impact on winning was immeasurable, and his place in Cowboys lore is unquestioned.
### **5. Michael Irvin (WR, 1988–1999)**
“The Playmaker” was the emotional leader of the 1990s Cowboys, a fiery competitor who backed up his brash personality with Hall of Fame production. Irvin was Aikman’s go-to receiver, using his physicality, route-running, and clutch hands to dominate defensive backs. A five-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champion, and 1991 First-Team All-Pro, Irvin finished his career as the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving yards (11,904) at the time of his retirement. His passion and swagger embodied the Cowboys’ dominance during their dynasty years.
### **6. Larry Allen (OL, 1994–2005)**
Widely regarded as one of the strongest and most dominant offensive linemen in NFL history, Larry Allen was a mauler in the trenches for the Cowboys throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. An 11-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-Team All-Pro, Allen played every position on the line except center, excelling at each. His combination of brute strength and athleticism was unmatched—famously bench-pressing 700 pounds and even chasing down a linebacker after an interception. A Super Bowl XXX champion and Hall of Famer (2013), Allen’s dominance helped pave the way for Emmitt Smith and protected Troy Aikman for years.
### **7. Randy White (DT/LB, 1975–1988)**
A member of the famed “Doomsday Defense,” Randy White was one of the most feared defensive players of his era. Known as the “Manster” (half-man, half-monster), White was a relentless pass rusher and run-stopper, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and seven First-Team All-Pro nods. He was co-MVP of Super Bowl XII alongside Harvey Martin, cementing his legacy as a big-game performer. A Hall of Famer (1994), White’s intensity and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
### **8. Tony Dorsett (RB, 1977–1987)**
One of the most electrifying runners in NFL history, Tony Dorsett brought speed and explosiveness to the Cowboys’ backfield. The 1977 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Dorsett helped Dallas win Super Bowl XII and became the first player to win a college national championship (Pitt, 1976) and a Super Bowl in consecutive years. A four-time Pro Bowler and 1981 First-Team All-Pro, Dorsett rushed for 12,739 yards (second in franchise history) and famously scored on a 99-yard touchdown run in 1983—still an NFL record. His big-play ability made him a legend.
### **9. DeMarcus Ware (OLB/DE, 2005–2013)**
The most dominant pass rusher in Cowboys history, DeMarcus Ware terrorized quarterbacks for nearly a decade in Dallas. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro with the Cowboys, Ware led the NFL in sacks twice (2008, 2010) and set the franchise record with 117 sacks before joining Denver (where he won Super Bowl 50). His speed, power, and technique made him unblockable at his peak, and his 20-sack season in 2008 remains one of the greatest defensive campaigns in team history. A future Hall of Famer, Ware is arguably the best defensive player of the post-2000 era for Dallas.
### **10. Mel Renfro (CB/S, 1964–1977)**
One of the most underrated defensive backs in NFL history, Mel Renfro was a shutdown corner and ballhawk for the Cowboys’ early dynasty years. A 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion (VI, XII), Renfro excelled in both man and zone coverage, finishing his career with 52 interceptions (second in team history). His versatility allowed him to play safety later in his career, and his speed (a former track star) made him a threat on returns. A Hall of Famer (1996), Renfro’s consistency and playmaking ability earn him a spot among the all-time greats.
### **Honorable Mentions**
While these 10 stand above the rest, several other Cowboys legends deserve recognition:
– **Everson Walls (CB)** – Led NFL in interceptions three times.
– **Jason Witten (TE)** – Franchise leader in receptions; 11-time Pro Bowler.
– **Chuck Howley (LB)** – Only Super Bowl MVP from a losing team (V).
– **Darren Woodson (S)** – Three-time Super Bowl champ; franchise’s all-time leading tackler.
– **Tyron Smith (OT)** – Arguably the best left tackle of his era when healthy.
### **Final Thoughts**
The Dallas Cowboys’ legacy is built on greatness, and these 10 players represent the pinnacle of what it means to wear the star. From Staubach’s heroics to Emmitt’s relentless rushing, from Lilly’s dominance to Ware’s sack artistry, each of these legends left an indelible mark on the franchise. Whether measuring championships, individual accolades, or sheer impact on the game, these Cowboys stand among the NFL’s all-time elite. As the franchise continues to chase its next Super Bowl, the standard set by these legends remains the benchmark for greatness in Dallas.
