Welcome back with another Countdown to Kickoff Post! While you're likely at work on this lovely Thursday afternoon, I want you to know there are two things that can make your day better.
One is that it's almost Friday, and you made it this far — so keep pushing!!
And two, you get to enjoy your lunch with another entertaining Countdown piece.
Currently, it is 53 days until the Dallas Cowboys kick off their Super Bowl LVII tour (because it's always their year), and to honor the number of days, I crowned the Greatest #53 in Dallas Cowboys history.
If you missed Wednesday's piece, boy, you missed a good one. But of course, I wouldn't leave you hanging, so check out the special story that crowned two historic defenders as the Cowboys' Greatest #54.
While today's crowning didn't produce two players, let's jump into who got today's nod as the Greatest #53 in franchise history.
Here Are All Of The Dallas Cowboys Players Who Have Worn #53:
- Keith Adams, LB (2002-2002)
- John Babinecz, LB (1972-1973)
- Francis Bernard, LB (2021-2022)
- Bob Breunig, LB (1975-1984)
- Mike Connelly, C (1961-1967)
- Ray Donaldson, C (1995-1996)
- Onzy Elam, LB (1989-1989)
- Oliver Hoyte, FB (2006-2006)
- Garth Jax, LB (1986-1988)
- Cameron Lawrence, LB (2013-2014)
- Justin March, LB (2017-2020)
- Mark Nzeocha, LB (2015-2016)
- Steve Octavien, LB (2008-2009)
- Dave Simmons, LB (1968-1968)
- Victor Simmons, LB (1987-1987)
- Mark Stepnoski, C (1990-2001)
- Kalen Thornton, LB (2004-2004)
- Fred Whittingham, LB (1969-1969)
Ok, before I spill the beans on who got the nod as “El Jefe” (Boss) of #53, I have to admit I lied.
Like yesterday's post, two players were worthy of their respected jersey number, but one person got the slight edge.
But to ease your curiosity, the two players that were neck-in-neck in today's selection were LB Bob Breunig and C Mark Stepnoski.
With Breunig, you had a guy who was a part of the “Doomsday Defense” and consistently led the team in tackles for several seasons.
Breunig and his Doomsday Defense did win a Super Bowl in 1978, and he was able to land three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro — but Stepnoski got the nod because of his impact and resume.
Mark Stepnoski‘s NFL Career
Drafted in the 3rd Round of the 1989 NFL Draft, Stepnoski fell into the franchise's lap after people felt he was too small to make it as a guard in the NFL.
Sounds like when fans were ridiculing another lineman in this year's draft for being too small. **cough, cough** Center Tyler Linderbaum. All jokes.
In his first year, Stepnoski got switched from guard to center, and although he never played the position, I imagine he's forever grateful for that transition.
Coached by Tom Rafferty, the Greatest #64 in Dallas Cowboys history, Stepnoski excelled right away and landed his first Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
Considered one of the league's best centers during his era, Stepnoski was a part of the “Great Wall of Dallas,” which consisted of Erik Williams, Mark Tunei, Nate Newton, Kevin Gogan, and himself, as he and the squad made running a little bit easier for some HOF RB named Emmitt Smith.
That guy sounds good.
Mark Stepnoski vs Reggie White#OLineAfterDark pic.twitter.com/lj0syG9DFX
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) June 12, 2017
Stepnoski had a 13-year NFL career (9 with the Cowboys, 4 with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans), and his accomplishments included:
- 2-Time Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII)
- 1-Time First-Team All-Pro
- 2-Time Second-Team All-Pro
- 5-Time Pro Bowler
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Although I never saw Stepnoski play during my lifetime, being able to relieve stellar play from not only the center position but the overall offensive line makes me happy.
With how shaky the current Cowboys' offensive line may be, the franchise could sure use a guy like Stepnoski to anchor things down.
But to add another accomplishment to Stepnoski's decorated resume, congratulations to Mr. Mark Stepnoski on earning the title of Greatest #53 in Dallas Cowboys history.
