Ranking the 30 Best NFL QB-WR duos in the modern era

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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 on 27 December in Irving, Texas. AFP PHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo by PAUL BUCK / AFP) (Photo by PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images) /

30 Best NFL QB-WR duos in the modern era

No. 4: Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin

When people think back at the Troy Aikman era as the starting quarterback in Dallas, they likely think about all the winning. However, what people forget is just how bad the Dallas Cowboys were early on in Aikman’s career, as he went 0-11 as a rookie, and many thought he would become the biggest bust in NFL history.

However, the Herschel Walker trade changed the fortunes of the Cowboys franchise, and before all was said and done, they had won three Super Bowls. While the addition of Emmitt Smith certainly helped, the combination of Michael Irvin and Aikman became nearly unstoppable for their NFC opponents, leading to one of the better dynasties of the 1990s.

All told, the Cowboys won their three rings, and this combination linked up for 641 passes, nearly 10,000 yards, and 54 touchdowns. Known for his big size, as well as his big-time ability, the “Playmaker” set an NFL record with 47 games of 100 or more yards, and he saved his best play for when it mattered the most.

In Super Bowl XXVII, a game that saw Aikman earn Most Valuable Player honors, Irvin was a star himself, catching seven balls for 114 yards and two scores. Both men are in the Hall of Fame, and both are the reason why.

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