The Early 2000s were years that were not kind to Cowboys fans. The team was constantly mediocre and shelling out 6-10 seasons.
After Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback Troy Aikman’s retirement in 2001, the Cowboys never had another franchise quarterback until 2006, when Tony Romo took over.
During those five years, the Dallas Cowboys saw five different starting quarterbacks.
Here’s one that many Cowboys fans have most likely forgotten, and for good reason.
#6: Vinny Testaverde —
Vinny Testaverde was entering his 18th season as an NFL Player when he took over the Cowboys’ starting quarterback position.
Testaverde was originally brought in to back up and mentor the young Quincy Carter. However, this changed when Carter failed a drug test.
As the starting quarterback, Testaverde led the Cowboys to a 5-10 record.
He completed 60% of his passes thrown.
He also threw for 17 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
Although he may not have led the Cowboys to victory, many analysts give credit to Testaverde for helping the development of the future franchise quarterback, Tony Romo.
#7: Terrell Owens —
The joy I experienced when the Cowboys signed Terrell Owens…
Owens received a 3-year deal worth 25 million. I remember the split feelings Cowboys fans had in regard to the T.O. signing.
How could we embrace a former 49ers and Eagles player, especially one who disrespected the Star on the field?
My answer is his production with the Cowboys.
As a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Owens put up over 3,500 receiving yards.
Owens played 47 games, totaling 38 touchdowns during his tenure in Dallas.
Owens’ best year in Dallas came in 2007. He was selected to the Pro Bowl (making it his 6th appearance) as well as the First Team AP All-Pro (making it his 5th appearance).
#8: Mike Jenkins —
I remember I was very happy when the Cowboys traded up with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2008 NFL Draft. Moving up from the 28th to the 25th pick, it was certain Mike Jenkins was the Cowboys’ guy.
Jenkins was a ballhawk in college.
He attended the University of South Florida, where he set some school records.
He finished his collegiate career with 133 tackles (six for a loss), a school-record 47 passes defended, six interceptions, and five forced fumbles.
Jenkins started his rookie campaign as a slot corner, however in 2009 during training camp, he and fellow teammate Orlando Scandrick were battling for the corner one position.
After an impressive training camp and pre-season, Jenkins earned the nod as the Cowboys’ #1 corner.
As a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Jenkins played 71 games and was the CB1 in 48.
Jenkins totaled 8 interceptions as a member of Dallas and forced just one fumble.
#9: Adam “Pacman” Jones —
In 2008, troubled but talented Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was traded to the Dallas Cowboys by the Tennessee Titans for a 4th-round pick.
There was no doubting Jones’s skill set, however, he was only a member of the Cowboys for one season and only played in nine games.
Suspensions and injuries kept him out for most of the season.
Jones had seven passes defended and forced one fumble.
On January 7th, 2009 the Dallas Cowboys released Jones stemming from legal issues from previous years.
#10: Matt Cassel —
The 2015 season was a season of What If’s.
Tony Romo and Wide Receiver Dez Bryant sustained injuries within the first two weeks that would sideline them for a good chunk of the season.
Not satisfied with Backup Quarterback Brandon Weeden, the Cowboys decided to trade for Matt Cassell mid-season from the Buffalo Bills.
As the starting quarterback for the Cowboys, Matt Cassel went 1-7.
Cassel threw for five touchdowns and had seven interceptions. He ended the season with a 70.6% QBR.
There’s no denying that the Cowboys are seeking to add another Super Bowl Victory under their belt. As a Cowboys fan, I hope the current team is able to deliver us one.
