Early Years: The Foundational Quarterbacks
The Dallas Cowboys were founded in 1960, and their early years saw the emergence of some talented quarterbacks who laid the foundation for the team's future success. Eddie LeBaron, the team's first starting quarterback, played for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1963 and led the team to their first playoff appearance in 1961.
Don Meredith, a legendary quarterback and sports broadcaster, played for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1969 and is still remembered for his charismatic personality and clutch performances. Meredith led the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1967 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.
Other notable quarterbacks from the early years include Craig Morton, who played for the Cowboys from 1965 to 1972 and led the team to their first Super Bowl victory in 1972, and Roger Staubach, who played for the Cowboys from 1969 to 1979 and won two Super Bowl championships with the team.
The Roger Staubach Era: A Legacy of Excellence
Roger Staubach is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Dallas Cowboys history. A Heisman Trophy winner in 1963, Staubach played for the Cowboys from 1969 to 1979 and led the team to two Super Bowl championships (VI and XII) and four NFC championship games. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
Staubach's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He is remembered for his clutch performances, including his game-winning touchdown pass in the 1972 NFC Championship Game and his 22-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson in the 1978 NFC Championship Game.
Other notable quarterbacks from the Staubach era include Danny White, who played for the Cowboys from 1975 to 1988 and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 1979, and Gary Hogeboom, who played for the Cowboys from 1980 to 1985 and led the team to a playoff appearance in 1982.
The Tony Romo Era: A Quarterback's Quarterback
The Tony Romo Era: A Quarterback's Quarterback
Tony Romo played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2004 to 2015 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Romo led the Cowboys to a playoff appearance in 2009 and set numerous franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Romo's playing style was characterized by his exceptional accuracy and ability to read defenses. He was known for his ability to extend plays with his feet and make throws from unconventional angles.
Despite never appearing in a Super Bowl, Romo's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He is remembered for his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with fans, earning him the nickname "Tony the Giant." Romo's number 9 jersey was retired by the Cowboys in 2017, a testament to his enduring popularity with the franchise's fan base.
The Dak Prescott Era: A New Generation of Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2016 to present and has quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Prescott has led the Cowboys to three playoff appearances, including a divisional round appearance in 2018.
Prescott's playing style is characterized by his exceptional arm strength and ability to make plays outside of the pocket. He has also been praised for his leadership and ability to connect with his teammates, earning him the respect of his peers and coaches.
Prescott's success has been marked by a number of notable accomplishments, including becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season and leading the Cowboys to a 10-6 record in 2016, the team's first winning season since 2009.
A Comprehensive List of Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks
| Quarterback | Years Played | Games Played | Passing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie LeBaron | 1960-1963 | 47 | 6,489 | 43 |
| Don Meredith | 1960-1969 | 128 | 17,276 | 111 |
| Craig Morton | 1965-1972 | 111 | 14,548 | 98 |
| Roger Staubach | 1969-1979 | 164 | 22,700 | 153 |
| Danny White | 1975-1988 | 143 | 18,411 | 125 |
| Tony Romo | 2004-2015 | 128 | 34,183 | 248 |
| Dak Prescott | 2016-present | 96 | 16,499 | 106 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding the History of Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks
- Start by familiarizing yourself with the early years of the Dallas Cowboys and the quarterbacks who played during that time period.
- Study the Roger Staubach era and his numerous accomplishments, including his two Super Bowl championships and four NFC championship game appearances.
- Learn about the Tony Romo era and his six Pro Bowl selections, as well as his numerous franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns.
- Follow the current state of the Dallas Cowboys and the quarterback position, including the play of Dak Prescott and the team's recent playoff appearances.
- Use the comprehensive list of Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks provided above to gain a deeper understanding of the franchise's rich history and the contributions of each quarterback.
Practical Tips for Understanding the History of Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks
- Watch old game footage and highlight reels to get a sense of the playing styles and abilities of different quarterbacks.
- Read books and articles about the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the quarterbacks who played for the team.
- Attend Cowboys games and experience the energy and excitement of the team's fans.
- Join online forums and discussion groups to connect with other Cowboys fans and learn more about the team's history.
- Visit the Dallas Cowboys' website and social media channels to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about the team.