We're officially 59 days away from the Week 1 Kickoff versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and after a three-day hiatus of Countdown to Kickoff posts, we're back in business.
For those curious about where I had been, I was working on a time machine that allowed me to relive the glory days of the Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys teams.
All jokes aside, I'm happy to be back, and to ease your curiosity over who gets the nod for today's selection as the Greatest #59 in Dallas Cowboys History, let's dive right in.
Here are all of the players who wore #59 and were in today's consideration:
- Guy Brown, LB, (1977-1982)
- Darrick Brownlow, LB, (1991-1991)
- Warren Capone, LB, (1975 1975)
- Garry Cobb, LB, (1988-1989)
- Chris Covington, LB, (2018-2019)
- Chauncey Golston, DE, (2021-2022)
- Anthony Hitchens, LB, (2014-2017)
- Ken Hutcherson, LB, (1974-1974)
- Dat Nguyen, LB, (1999-2005)
- Jesse Penn, LB, (1985-1987)
- Ernie Sims, LB, (2012-2013)
- Darrin Smith, LB, (1993-1996)
- Robert Thomas, LB, (1998-1998)
- Kirk Timmer, LB, (1987-1987)
- Mike Walter, LB, (1983-1983)
- Brandon Williams, DE, (2010-2010)
If it wasn't obvious, a linebacker was getting chosen today. I mean, c'mon, 14 out of 16 players who wore #59 were linebackers, so the odds just played themselves out.
But in today's selection, this player was special as he was the first Vietnamese-American player ever to be drafted, play, and recognized as an All-Pro in the NFL.
He was a leader his whole life, and despite his athletic traits that you typically don't look for in a starting LB, this guy beat the odds and had a highly-productive NFL career.
Without further ado, let's welcome Mr. Dat Nguyen.
Linebacker Dat Nguyen's Dallas Cowboys Career
Drafted in the 3rd Round (85th overall) by the Cowboys, Nguyen had one of the most-accomplished College Football resumes coming out of Texas A&M, and his productive play seamlessly translated to the NFL.
But before we dive into his professional career more, we have to acknowledge that to this day, Nguyen is still recognized as one of the best defenders to ever play for the Aggies and in the Big 12.
After getting drafted, Nguyen would spend most of his time on special teams, as he led the unit in tackles (18). The following season, Nguyen would land the starting MLB spot, and his career would take off.
Statistically, his best season came in 2003 when he led the team in tackles (113), and because of his explosive performance, he got selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate and nominated as a Second-Team All-Pro.
You like Dat ⁉️
Throwback to Cowboys LB Dat Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American to be drafted and recognized as an All-Pro in the NFL. #CowboysNation
(via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/ouetSHbZmM
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) March 24, 2021
Nguyen would play for two more seasons before medically retiring due to neck and back problems.
Although I didn't fully understand the game yet as a Cowboys fan during Nguyen's tenure (give me a break, I was barely around the ages of 4-9), seeing video over him reminds me of another LB that gave it his all on-the-field, and that's LB Sean Lee.
Both were exceptional in college and for the Cowboys, but injuries ultimately affected their careers.
Despite that, congratulations to Nguyen on being the Greatest #59 in Dallas Cowboys History.
