10 of the greatest Dallas Cowboys of all time

10 greatest Dallas Cowboys of all time

Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys receives congratulations from teammates Michael Irvin (L) and Troy Aikman (R) after breaking the NFL career touchdown record against the Washington Redskins at Texas Stadium 27 December in Irving, Texas. AFP PHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo by PAUL BUCK / AFP) (Photo by PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chuck Howley (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) /

7. Chuck Howley, LB

Like wide receiver Cliff Branch of the Raiders, Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Chuck Howley is a name often associated with being a big omission when it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Originally a first-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears, his career looked like it would be over after two seasons and a knee injury. But he would be traded to Tom Landry’s club in 1961 and ended up finding a home. The six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro remains the only player in Super Bowl history to capture game MVP honors in a losing effort.

In a total of 15 NFL seasons, 13 with the Cowboys, the former University of West Virginia standout and seventh overall pick in 1958 picked off 25 passes and recovered 18 fumbles – the vast majority of that with Landry’s club. In the Super Bowl V loss to the Colts, he finished with four tackles and a pair of interceptions. One year later in the team’s 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, there were a pair of stops, another pick and a fumble recovery.

The Cowboys have had their share of defensive stars and it remains surprising that Howley hasn’t yet gotten a bust in Canton. But he remains one of this franchise’s legendary performers.

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