The Dallas Cowboys have been incredibly fortunate to have the level of safety play they’ve had in the history of their franchise. Darren Woodson, Charlie Waters, Mel Renfro, Cliff Harris, and Roy Williams all played a huge role in various generations of Cowboys’ defenses. George Teague may not have been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but his legacy with the team is entrenched and enshrined in nearly every Cowboys highlight package.
After a fantastic NFL career, Teague will now be honored for what he did at the University of Alabama. On Saturday, May 8th, George Teague will be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Teague played four years for the Crimson Tide, amassing 14 total interceptions, including six each in his junior and senior seasons for Alabama either leading the SEC or tying for the lead in the conference in both seasons. He was an integral part of the 1992 National Championship team and made one of the most important series of plays in the 93 Sugar Bowl to help maintain their undefeated season against the University of Miami.
First Teague recorded his first interception return for a touchdown. Then on Miami’s ensuing drive, Lamar Thomas got away from the defense and was sprinting downfield for what looked to be a Hurricanes touchdown. Then “The Strip” happened. In pursuit, Teague caught up to Thomas and ripped the ball away from the Miami wide receiver, and returned the ball upfield. Though the play was overturned because of an Alabama offsides penalty, it prevented a would-be touchdown, and Miami had to punt five plays later.
George Teague’s career with the Dallas Cowboys game at a time when the Cowboys were exiting their Super Bowl window and on the downside of Troy Aikman’s and Emmitt Smith’s career. The Cowboys never really contended in the same way they did when he was with the Packers. Nonetheless, Teague’s impact and legacy with the Cowboys is firmly intact because of a play that came after the play. Teague will forever be known as the “Defender of The Star.”
Teague is now the head coach at John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas, and is the host of the Teague’s Take Podcast.
