The Cowboys will play in their 1,000th regular-season game on Sunday against the New York Giants.
Here at SportsDay, we’ve decided to do something ambitious — or rather crazy — and rank the Top 100 Cowboys players in franchise history. We know this will spur debate, and maybe scorn.
This Top 100 was put together with input from beat writer Joseph Hoyt and former beat writers David Moore, Jean-Jacques Taylor and Tim Cowlishaw. We also spoke with Brad Sham, the Voice of the Cowboys, and John Wooten, a former personnel executive with the Cowboys who is up for election as a contributor for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
These rankings are based on a few criteria: Talent. Accomplishments. Impact with the Cowboys. And, well, just personal opinion.
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A few things of note before the rankings:
No. 1 Roger Staubach
Easy, right? Well, based on our criteria, Larry Allen and Emmitt Smith seemed more accomplished. But it’s hard not to go with Mr. Staubach at No. 1. Many OGs — fans from the 1960s and 1970s — would contend Bob Lilly should rank No. 2 or No. 3 on this list. At some point, the players from other eras must be considered, and that’s why Allen resides at No. 2.
Harvey Martin
South Oak Cliff’s Harvey Martin deserves his name to be placed in the Ring of Honor. His resume screams it. But, sadly, he’s not there. Maybe one day. We’ve placed him in the Top 25 ahead of some other standout players.
Retired players
This offseason, two of the more talented offensive linemen in franchise history, Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, retired. Both players should get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith might take a little longer than Martin, but both deserve a gold jacket. We have them both in the Top 30 because they earned it.
So what about Dez?
Dez Bryant comes in at No. 63. We wish Bryant had played longer and maybe produced a little bit more. He was outstanding as a receiver but not as good as Alvin Harper and Terrell Owens, who were ranked ahead of him. Harper and Owens didn’t have long careers, but Harper won a few titles and Owens is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Where is Tony?
Tony Romo was a fantastic quarterback. He saved the franchise when he took over in 2006 for Drew Bledsoe. I know because I was there. Anyway, Danny White’s three NFC title games and Dak Prescott’s current rise measured better than Romo’s career. White doesn’t get enough respect around these parts, and I believe he’ll always be ahead of Romo and Prescott for his playoff success.
Short-timers with status
There’s quite a few Cowboys with short stints, like Herb Adderley, Duane Thomas, Butch Johnson and Deion Sanders on this list. The impact in a short period of time gave them the right to be on the Top 100. However, we left Sanders off our Top 10 defensive players in franchise history because he didn’t participate long enough. You could ask why Charles Haley is among the top defensive players? Well, when he arrived via trade, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls with him, and he was the missing piece. Sanders was, too, in a different sort of way in the 1990s, but the Cowboys had won two titles without him. Sanders is the standard at corner. No doubt. For this exercise, we have him in the right spot, No. 21 overall.
Who did we miss?
Orlando Scandrick, Nick Folk, Leonard Davis, Marcus Spears, Ken Norton, Ray Donaldson, Dat Nguyen, Ron Springs, Dexter Clinkscale, Kevin Gogan, Jim Doran, Lee Folkins. Are we missing someone? It’s a difficult list, but we had fun making it.
We hope you have fun with this and celebrate the Cowboys franchise. It’s a franchise that has five Super Bowl titles, is tied for the second-most Super Bowl appearances (8), has played in the most postseason games (67) and has a 569-424-6 regular season record.
Roger Staubach.
DMN Staff
1. QB Roger Staubach
Years with the Cowboys: 1969-79
Comment: A two-time Super Bowl champion, NFL Man of the Year, nicknamed Captain Comeback and Roger Dodger.
2. G/T Larry Allen
Years with the Cowboys: 1994-2005
Comment: The Hall of Famer is considered one of the great linemen in the history of the sport.
3. DL Bob Lilly
Years with the Cowboys: 1961-1974
Comment: The first player drafted by the Cowboys. A seven-time All-Pro, named to NFL 75th Anniversary team.
4. RB Emmitt Smith
Years with the Cowboys: 1990-2002
Comment: The NFL’s all-time leading rusher. An NFL and Super Bowl MVP in the same season. NFL leader with 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Super Bowl V – January 17, 1971 – Miami, FL – Dallas Cowboys v. Baltimore Colts / shown here, from left: Tony Liscio (72), Bob Asher (78), Chuck Howley (54) and Herb Adderley (26).
ED WHEELER / Staff Photographer
5. LB Chuck Howley
Years with the Cowboys: 1961-1973
Comment: The Hall of Famer is a five-time All-Pro and the only player named a Super Bowl MVP from a losing team.
6. DB Mel Renfro
Years with the Cowboys: 1964-1977
Comment: Five All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowl teams, 52 career interceptions and two Super Bowl titles.
7. DT/LB Randy White
Years with the Cowboys: 1975-1988
Comment: The Hall of Famer was named to eight All-Pro teams, was named the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a Co-MVP of Super Bowl XII.
8. RB Tony Dorsett
Years with the Cowboys: 1977-1987
Comment: He’s 10th all-time in career rushing yards, a Hall of Famer and had eight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 11 seasons with Dallas.
9. QB Troy Aikman
Years with the Cowboys: 1989-2000
Comment: A three-time Super Bowl champ, 1997 NFL Man of the Year, six Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP.
Game 14-Cowboys 24, Saints 17: Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) causes New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) to fumble during their game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on Dec. 19, 2009.
Vernon Bryant
10. LB DeMarcus Ware
Years with the Cowboys: 2005-2013
Comment: Four All-Pro selections and the franchise leader in sacks with 117. Named to the 2000s All-Decade team.
11. WR Michael Irvin
Years with the Cowboys: 1988-1999
Comment: The Playmaker set an NFL record with 11 100-yard receiving games in 1995. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is a five-time Pro Bowl pick.
12. DE Charles Haley
Years with the Cowboys: 1992-1996
Comment: Acquired in a trade that shook up the 1990s. A three-time Super Bowl champ with Dallas who had 100.5 sacks in his career.
13. T Rayfield Wright
Years with the Cowboys: 1967-1979
Comment: A member of the 1970s All-Decade team. In 13 seasons, was on five teams that went to the Super Bowl.
14. WR Drew Pearson
Years with the Cowboys: 1973-1983
Comment: The Hall of Fame wide receiver was on the receiving end of the famed Hail Mary and is a member of the 1970s All-Decade team.
Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan is escorted to Gil Brandt’s Ring of Honor induction ceremony during halftime at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, November 29, 2018. Jordan was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1989.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
15. LB Lee Roy Jordan
Years with the Cowboys: 1963-1976
Comment: At one point he started 154 consecutive games for the Doomsday Defense. The middle linebacker was an All-Pro selection twice.
16. RB Don Perkins
Years with the Cowboys: 1961-1968
Comment: He was the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1961 and a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
17. G Zack Martin
Years with the Cowboys: 2014-2024
Comment: In an 11-year career, he was named to the 2010 All-Decade team and seven All-Pro teams.
18. S Cliff Harris
Years with the Cowboys: 1970-1979
Comment: A two-time Super Bowl champ, he was named to the 1970s All-Decade team. Captain Crash is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
19. WR Bob Hayes
Years with the Cowboys: 1965-1974
Comment: Bullet Bob holds or is tied for 15 club records. He’s also a three-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the fastest men in franchise history.
Safety Cornell Green (34) of the Dallas Cowboys tackles running back Norm Bulaich (36) of the Baltimore Colts during Super Bowl V on January 17, 1971 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.
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20. DB Cornell Green
Years with the Cowboys: 1962-1974
Comment: He led the Cowboys in interceptions four times, was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
21. CB/WR Deion Sanders
Years with the Cowboys: 1995-1999
Comment: One of the great corners in NFL history. He was a member of the 1990s All-Decade team as a corner and punt returner.
22. S Darren Woodson
Years with the Cowboys: 1992-2003
Comment: The franchise leader in tackles was one of the first safeties to cover wide receivers.
23. QB Don Meredith
Years with the Cowboys: 1960-1968
Comment: Dandy Don was a three-time Pro Bowler who led the Cowboys to NFL Championship game twice.
24. TE Jason Witten
Years with the Cowboys: 2003-2017, 2019
Comment: The franchise leader in games, catches and receiving yards. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler.
1979 — Harvey Martin, shown zeroing in on Giants quarterback Phil Simms, played for the Cowboys from 1973 through 1983.
John Rhodes / The Dallas Morning News
25. DE Harvey Martin
Years with the Cowboys: 1973-1983
Comment: Holds single-season record with 23 sacks in the 1977 season and has 114 for his career.
26. CB Everson Walls
Years with the Cowboys: 1981-1989
Comment: His 44 interceptions is second in franchise history. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro pick.
27. G/T Ralph Neely
Years with the Cowboys: 1965-1977
Comment: The three-time All-Pro won two Super Bowls and was named to the 1960s All-Decade team
28. T Tyron Smith
Years with the Cowboys: 2011-2023
Comment: He was an eight-time Pro Bowler with two All-Pro selections. The talented tackle will get Hall of Fame consideration.
29. G/C Tom Rafferty
Years with the Cowboys: 1976-1989
Comment: The long-time center played 14 seasons with 182 starts.
ORG XMIT: *S195805CD* Taken 12/20/2008 — 137217 — Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL Football — Texas Stadium, Irving – Dallas Dallas WR Terrell Owens gestures after a long pass falls incomplete in the second quarter. (Photo/Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News)
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30. WR Terrell Owens
Years with the Cowboys: 2006-2008
Comment: T.O. is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A six-time All-Pro and a member of the All-Decade team in 2000.
31. C Mark Stepnoski
Years with the Cowboys: 1989-1994, 1999-2001
Comment: “Step” was named to five Pro Bowls and the 1990s All-Decade team.
32. LB D.D. Lewis
Years with the Cowboys: 1968, 1970-1981
Comment: The sixth-round pick played 13 seasons and didn’t miss a game the last four years of his career.
33. WR CeeDee Lamb
Years with the Cowboys: 2020-2025
Comment: One of the top receivers in the game, he was the fastest player to surpass 500 career catches in franchise history.
34. DE Ed “Too Tall” Jones
Years with the Cowboys: 1974-1978, 1980-1989
Comment: He played 15 seasons and recovered a franchise-record 19 opponents fumbles.
Former Dallas linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson is pictured during practice at the Dallas Cowboys full-squad minicamp practice at the Star in Frisco, photographed on Thursday, June15, 2017. (Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News)
Louis DeLuca / Staff Photographer
35. LB Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson
Years with the Cowboys: 1975-1979
Comment: He won a Super Bowl title and earned a Pro Bowl berth in a shortened career.
36. DL John Dutton
Years with the Cowboys: 1979-1986
Comment: He earned an All-Pro berth in 1976 and was one of the strengths for the defensive line.
37. QB/P Danny White
Years with the Cowboys: 1976-1988
Comment: He led the Cowboys to three consecutive NFC title games.
38. T Erik Williams
Years with the Cowboys: 1991-2000
Comment: Before a car accident halted his career, he was considered one of the top tackles in the NFL.
39. RB Herschel Walker
Years with the Cowboys: 1986-1989, 1996-1997
Comment: He was the key part of the 1989 trade that changed the Cowboys franchise in the 1990s.
Cliff Harris (right) with fellow Cowboys safety Charlie Waters in the waning moments of a playoff win over Chicago in 1977. (AP Photo)
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40. DB Charlie Waters
Years with the Cowboys: 1970-1978, 1980-1981
Comment: The former third-round pick had a solid career with 41 interceptions and three Pro Bowl berths.
41. QB Dak Prescott
Years with the Cowboys: 2016-2025
Comment: Named NFL’s Man of the Year, he’s third in completions in franchise history.
42. G/T Nate Newton
Years with the Cowboys: 1986-1998
Comment: “Big Nate” earned six Pro Bowls, and was a two-time All-Pro, in 180 starts.
43. QB Eddie LeBaron
Years with the Cowboys: 1960-1963
Comment: The first big-time quarterback for the Cowboys at the beginning of the fanchise’s existence.
44. FB Daryl Johnston
Years with the Cowboys: 1989-1999
Comment: One of the main blockers and mainstays in the Cowboys running game in the 1990s.
With the NBC game ball in hand, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates as he leaves the field following their 27-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sunday, November 11, 2018
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
45. RB Ezekiel Elliott
Years with the Cowboys: 2016-2022, 2024
Comment: “Zeke” is third in franchise history in rushing yards.
46. C Travis Frederick
Years with the Cowboys: 2013-2019
Comment: Career was shortened by health scare. Earned five Pro Bowl berths.
47. TE Billy Joe Dupree
Years with the Cowboys: 1973-1983
Comment: He had 41 touchdowns with a 13.4-yard receiving average.
48. T Mark Tuinei
Years with the Cowboys: 1983-1997
Comment: The left tackle played 15 seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections during the Super Bowl runs.
49. G/C Andre Gurode
Years with the Cowboys: 2002-2010
Comment: The five-time Pro Bowler was a strength at center.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Alvin Harper (80) slaps hands with fans during the Super Bowl XXVII victory parade through downtown Dallas, February 9, 1993. An estimated 400,000 people filled the confetti-strewn streets hoping to a glimpse of the players riding in convertible cars.
Irwin Thompson / Staff Photographer
50. WR Alvin Harper
Years with the Cowboys: 1991-1994, 1999
Comment: The former first-round pick had 18 TDs in five seasons with Dallas.
51. LB Sean Lee
Years with the Cowboys: 2010-2020
Comment: He had four seasons with more than 100 tackles.
52. C Dave Manders
Years with the Cowboys: 1964-1966
Comment: A strong presence at center, he earned a Pro Bowl selecton.
53. DT Russell Maryland
Years with the Cowboys: 1991-1995
Comment: The No. 1 overall pick in 1991 won three titles and made one Pro Bowl team.
54. RB Calvin Hill
Years with the Cowboys: 1969-1974
Comment: In 1972 he rushed for 1,036 yards and was named to Pro Bowl team.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates after sacking New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson during the first half an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Arlington.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
55. LB/DE Micah Parsons
Years with the Cowboys: 2021-2024
Comment: Set a franchise rookie record with 13 sacks in 2021.
56. TE Jay Novacek
Years with the Cowboys: 1990-1996
Comment: In six seasons, averaged 10.5 yards per catch and won three titles.
57. CB Terence Newman
Years with the Cowboys: 2003-2011
Comment: A highly regarded draft pick who finished with 42 career interceptions.
58. WR Lance Rentzel
Years with the Cowboys: 1967-1970
Comment: Led the NFL with 12 touchdowns in 1969.
59. QB Tony Romo
Years with the Cowboys: 2003-2016
Comment: The franchise leader in touchdowns and passing yards.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Kevin Smith conducts an interview with Fonya Mondell on the red carpet during The D.O.C. Straight Outta Dallas Hip Hop event, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at The Bomb Factory in Dallas.
Ben Torres / Special Contributor
60. CB Kevin Smith
Years with the Cowboys: 1992-1999
Comment: “Pup,” a 1992 first-round pick, had 19 picks.
61. S Roy Williams
Years with the Cowboys: 2002-2008
Comment: The hard-hitting safety was named to five Pro Bowl teams.
62. G/T Flozell Adams
Years with the Cowboys: 1998-2009
Comment: A five-time Pro Bowler who started 194 of 198 games.
63. WR Dez Bryant
Years with the Cowboys: 2010-2017
Comment: Bryant is third in franchise history in catches and has the rookie record for catches in a game at nine.
64. S Bill Bates
Years with the Cowboys: 1983-1997
Comment: The special teams ace is the franchise leader in tackles at 216.
Receiver Frank Clarke, Sept. 16, 1962: The best of the early Cowboys pass catchers, Frank Clarke (shown in an undated photo) had 10 receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-35 tie with the Redskins in the Cotton Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys
65. TE/WR Frank Clarke
Years with the Cowboys: 1960-1967
Comment: The first African-American in franchise history. Led the NFL with 14 TDs in 1962.
66. CB Herb Adderley
Years with the Cowboys: 1970-1972
Comment: Played a short period with Dallas, but the Hall of Famer had nine picks.
67. DT/DE Larry Cole
Years with the Cowboys: 1968-1980
Comment: He produced 59 sacks in a 13-year career.
68. DT La’Roi Glover
Years with the Cowboys: 2002-2005
Comment: All-Decade team for the 2000s. Earned six Pro Bowl berths and was named to one All-Pro team.
69. DE Jim Jeffcoat
Years with the Cowboys: 1983-1994
Comment: Jeffcoat had 102.5 sacks and is tied for franchise record with five in one game.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) celebrates after a defensive stop during the first half an NFL football game against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Arlington.
Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer
70. DE DeMarcus Lawrence
Years with the Cowboys: 2014-2024
Comment: D-Law had 61 1/2 sacks in 11 seasons with the Cowboys.
71. DL Leon Lett
Years with the Cowboys: 1991-2000
Comment: Lett made two Pro Bowls, won three titles, and was a strong presence up front.
72. G John Niland
Years with the Cowboys: 1966-1974
Comment: A six-time Pro Bowler with three All-Pro team selections.
73. DT Jethro Pugh
Years with the Cowboys: 1965-1978
Comment: One of 12 players in franchise history to play at least 14 seasons.
74. RB Preston Pearson
Years with the Cowboys: 1975-1980
Comment: One of the key third-down backs was a two-time Super Bowl champ.
Pettis Norman was photographed in front of the Cotton Bowl in August 2021.
Lawrence Jenkins / The Dallas Morning News
75. TE Pettis Norman
Years with the Cowboys: 1962-1970
Comment: Averaged 13.5 yards per catch in nine seasons with Dallas.
76. G Herb Scott
Years with the Cowboys: 1975-1984
Comment: In 140 games, he earned three Pro Bowls, made two All-Pro teams and won a Super Bowl title.
77. S James Washington
Years with the Cowboys: 1990-1994
Comment: In two Super Bowls wins, Washington had two INTs, three tackles and a fumble recovery.
78. DT/DE Chad Hennings
Years with the Cowboys: 1992-2000
Comment: An 11th-round pick by the Cowboys, he had 17 sacks in a three-year stretch.
79. RB Walt Garrison
Years with the Cowboys: 1966-1974
Comment: The Lewisville High School product averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
Former Dallas Cowboys first round draft pick, Greg Ellis is interviewed by sportscaster Brad Sham, not pictured, during the Dallas Cowboys’ 2017 NFL Draft Party on Friday, April 28, 2017 at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News)
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80. DE/LB Greg Ellis
Years with the Cowboys: 1998-2008
Comment: He was the man drafted over Randy Moss in 1998. Ellis led the team in sacks six times.
81. CB Trevon Diggs
Years with the Cowboys: 2020-2025
Comment: Diggs has 20 interceptions in six seasons with two Pro Bowl selections.
82. DT Tony Casillas
Years with the Cowboys: 1991-1993, 1996-1997
Comment: The defensive tackle won two titles in two different stints.
83. K Dan Bailey
Years with the Cowboys: 2011-2017
Comment: He has the franchise record for 275 consecutive made kicks.
84. RB Marion Barber
Years with the Cowboys: 2005-2010
Comment: “The Barbarian” didn’t play long but earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2007 as a backup.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in the overtime against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, December 9, 2018. The Cowboys won, 29-23. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
85. WR Amari Cooper
Years with the Cowboys: 2018-2021
Comment: The Cowboys traded for the talented route runner and he earned two Pro Bowl spots.
86. T Pat Donovan
Years with the Cowboys: 1975-1983
Comment: The fourth-round pick was named to four Pro Bowls.
87. S Michael Downs
Years with the Cowboys: 1981-1988
Comment: In 1986, the South Oak Cliff grad blocked three kicks, tying franchise record.
88. LB Bradie James
Years with the Cowboys: 2003-2011
Comment: He had five seasons with over 100 tackles.
89. WR Butch Johnson
Years with the Cowboys: 1976-1983
Comment: In eight seasons, he had 19 TDs and was known for the California Quake dance.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end George Andrie picks up a fumble and is about to follow teammate Jethro Pugh (75) into the end zone to score in the NFL Championship game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 31, 1967. Played in sub-zero temperatures, the contest was later dubbed ‘The Ice Bowl.’ (AP)
90. DE George Andrie
Years with the Cowboys: 1962-1972
Comment: He made five Pro Bowls from 1965 to 1969.
91. LB Eugene Lockhart
Years with the Cowboys: 1984-1990
Comment: The middle linebacker had a franchise record 222 combined tackles in 1989.
92. K Brandon Aubrey
Years with the Cowboys: 2023-2025
Comment: He made the longest kick in franchise history (65 yards) and converted 34 consecutive FGs.
93. TE Doug Cosbie
Years with the Cowboys: 1979-1988
Comment: He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
94. LS Dale Hellestrae
Years with the Cowboys: 1990-2000
Comment: The long-time deep snapper didn’t miss a game in 11 seasons for the Cowboys.
Shot January 1, 1967, in the Cotton Bowl, where Dan Reeves (30) of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers.
Fred Coston
95. RB Dan Reeves
Years with the Cowboys: 1965-1972
Comment: Before he became a head coach, Reeves had 1,360 yards in 1966-67 seasons as a running back.
96. NT/DE Jay Ratliff
Years with the Cowboys: 2005-2013
Comment: The seventh-round pick was named to four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team.
97. RB Duane Thomas
Years with the Cowboys: 1970-1971
Comment: In just 25 games, Thomas scored 16 touchdowns.
98. WR Tony Hill
Years with the Cowboys: 1977-1986
Comment: He produced three Pro Bowl appearances and three 1,000-plus yard receiving seasons.
99. DE Tony Tolbert
Years with the Cowboys: 1989-1997
Comment: He was named to the 1996 Pro Bowl team and finished with 59 sacks in career.
Dallas Cowboys long snapper L.P. LaDouceur (91) makes a face as he leaves the stadium after the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Washington Redskins 20-17 on Sunday, October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News)
Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer
100. LS L.P. Ladouceur
Years with the Cowboys: 2005-2020
Comment: He played in a franchise-record 253 consecutive games.
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