The Dallas Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” unless you’re one of the other 31 teams, of course.
Known for their flashy cheerleaders, oversized stadium, and an owner who’s practically the face of the franchise, the Cowboys have also managed to also produce some pretty decent football players over the years.
The Greatest Dallas Cowboys Players
From quarterbacks who made miracles happen to a running back who ran over defenses like a truck, here are the top five Cowboys of all time—because someone’s got to justify all those Super Bowl rings Jerry Jones keeps polishing.
1. Emmitt Smith
RB, 1990–2002
- Super Bowls Won: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- MVPs: 1 (1993)
- Rushing Yards: 18,355
- Rushing Touchdowns: 164
- Receptions: 515
- Receiving Yards: 3,224
- Receiving Touchdowns: 11
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and one of the greatest running backs in league history.
Smith was the engine of the Cowboys’ offense during their run in the 1990s, leading the team to three Super Bowl rings.
He won the NFL MVP award in 1993 and was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXVIII.
Smith’s durability, vision, and power made him one of the most reliable backs of all time. His ability to score, both as a rusher and receiver, helped make his legacy as a Cowboys legend.
2. Roger Staubach
QB, 1969–1979
- Super Bowls Won: 2 (VI, XII)
- MVPs: 0
- Passing Yards: 22,700
- Touchdowns: 153
- Rushing Yards: 2,264
- Rushing Touchdowns: 20
- Completion Percentage: 57.0%
- Passer Rating: 83.4
Roger Staubach, also known as “Captain America,” is perhaps the most iconic player in Dallas Cowboys history.
Staubach led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins and earned a reputation for his late-game heroics.
He was known for his ability to scramble, make plays under pressure, and execute game-winning drives.
Staubach was a six-time Pro Bowler and made his into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
His leadership and playmaking ability made him the face of the Cowboys throughout the 1970s, and he is often credited with cementing the Cowboys’ status as “America’s Team.”
3. Troy Aikman
QB, 1989–2000
- Super Bowls Won: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- MVPs: 0
- Passing Yards: 32,942
- Touchdowns: 165
- Completion Percentage: 61.5%
- Passer Rating: 81.6
Troy Aikman was the leader of the Cowboys during their dynasty years in the 1990s.
As the starting QB, Aikman led Dallas to three Super Bowl titles and was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXVII.
Known for his accuracy and decision-making, Aikman was a six-time Pro Bowler and made his way into into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
4. Michael Irvin
WR, 1988–1999
- Super Bowls Won: 3 (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- MVPs: 0
- Receptions: 750
- Receiving Yards: 11,904
- Receiving Touchdowns: 65
- 100-Yard Games: 47
Michael “The Playmaker” Irvin was the go-to receiver for the Cowboys during their dynasty years.
Irvin was an explosive wide receiver who could make plays in the big moments.
He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a key figure in the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl wins in the 1990s.
His 47 career 100-yard games are an indication of his consistency.
5. Bob Lilly
DT, 1961–1974
Super Bowls Won: 1 (VI)
MVPs: 0
Sacks: 95.5 (unofficial)
Tackles: Over 1,000
Pro Bowls: 11
Bob “Mr. Cowboy” Lilly, was the first player ever drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and remains one of the franchise’s most loved figures.
Lilly was a dominant defensive tackle who anchored the Cowboys’ defense for over a decade.
He was a 11-time Pro Bowler and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Lilly’s quickness, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him one of the best defensive linemen of his era.
He played a massive part in the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl win in Super Bowl VI.
There you have it – our best Dallas Cowboys players
The Cowboys have a history filled with legendary players who helped shape the franchise into one of the NFL’s most successful and most profitable teams.
From Staubach’s heroics in the 1970s to the run of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin in the 1990s, these players represent the best in Cowboys history.
Love your NFL? Check out our best NFL dynasties, NFL MVP winners and our best NFL picks and parlays.
