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

By Brad Weiss

ANAHEIM, CA - CIRCA 1991:Joe Montana (16) of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Jerry Rice (80) on his TD catch against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium circa 1991 in Anaheim,California on November 25th 1991. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - CIRCA 1991:Joe Montana (16) of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Jerry Rice (80) on his TD catch against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium circa 1991 in Anaheim,California on November 25th 1991. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 1: Don Meredith #17 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game October 1, 1967, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas Texas. Meredith played for the Cowboys from 1960-68. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 1: Don Meredith #17 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game October 1, 1967, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas Texas. Meredith played for the Cowboys from 1960-68. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

30 Best NFL QB-WR duos in the modern era

No. 24: Don Meredith and Bob Hayes

The Dallas Cowboys have had some special wide receivers in their history, as guys like Michael Irvin and Drew Pearson are both in the Hall of Fame. However, before either of those two men put on a Cowboys uniform, Bob Hayes was dicing up NFL defenses, becoming a history player in his ten years with the franchise.

Hayes entered the Cowboys franchise in 1965 when quarterback Don Meredith was already in his sixth season with the organization. Though Meredith retired early, it was not before a four-year stretch with Hayes that made them one of the more prolific QB-WR duos pro football had seen up until that point.

During the 1966 NFL season, their second together, Hayes would earn his first All-Pro nod, while Meredith would be named the league’s Player of the Year. Hayes would go on to be named a first-team All-Pro in 1968 as well, and twice led the NFL in touchdowns, the 1965 and 1966 NFL seasons.

Every good quarterback needs that elite weapon on the outside they can count on, and with Hayes catching his passes, Meredith had his best four seasons while closing out his career.

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