We’re officially 67 days until we get some in-game NFL action from your beloved Dallas Cowboys, and in today’s post, we’re covering who’s the Greatest #67 in Cowboys History.
A few days ago, I chose Rayfield “Big Cat” Wright as the Greatest #70, so if you missed it–you can check it out here.
For those keeping up with my countdown posts, you know the drill.
But if you’re new here, welcome to the Countdown to Week 1 series, and to catch you up with how it works, it’s simple.
I peep all the players who wore the number corresponding with the number of days until Week 1, and whoever was the most dominant and accomplished to me gets selected.
With that in mind, before I reveal who I chose in today’s piece, check out all of the players who have donned the #67:
- Joe Berger
- Josiah Bronson
- Phil Costa
- Pat Donovan
- John Gesek
- Tony Hills
- John Houser
- Jake Kupp
- Russell Maryland
- Everett McIver
- Wyatt Miller
- Nate Newton
- Joe Shearin
- Eric Smith
- Sean Smith
- Broderick Thompson
- Pat Toomay
- Gary Walker
- Rayfield Wright
After looking at the list, my initial thoughts were, “Damn, I only know two players (Wright and Newton).”
And while that can spell trouble for some fans, I want to remind you all that I was born in 1996, and since then, the Cowboys have only had some great players come through their franchise–but no titles.
Anyways, before I get more envious of the fans who got to witness the Glory Days of the Cowboys, after researching each player, I narrowed my list down to three candidates.
Pat Donovan, Pat Toomay, and Russell Maryland. Two Pats, huh? Nice.
With Donovan, you got a player who was a part of the famous “Dirty Dozen,” which was 12 rookies who made the team from the 1975 NFL Draft, as they helped the team reach Super Bowl X.
It’s crazy to me that Donovan played defensive end from his childhood to college, and once he got to the league, the team needed help on the OL–so he made the switch.
And, boy, did it pay off as he snagged several Pro Bowl honors (4) and a Super Bowl Trophy in his nine seasons.
Jumping to Toomay, he had a five-year stint with the Cowboys and was a part of the famous “Doomsday Defense.” A solid player during his time, he’s mostly remembered for being a part of the “Zero Club,” which was a crew that prided themselves on their hard work.
He would leave the franchise in 1975 to the Buffalo Bills, but he got a Lombardi on his resume during his tenure in Dallas.
Lastly, with Maryland, you had a player who not only was a 3-time Super Bowl Champion but was also the staple of their defense during the 90s. Although he didn’t post the prettiest stats, Maryland’s impact was still huge as he helped the franchise win several titles.
But as we all know, there can only be one choice, and in today’s post, I went with Donovan slightly edging out Maryland.
Although you could argue Maryland’s hardware puts him over the top, Donovan’s longevity won me over. Add in that he is one of five OTs in franchise history to make the Pro Bowl–he was uberly talented.
Donovan was also a part of the “Four Irishmen and Scott” offensive line that consisted of Herbert Scott, John Fitzgerald, Jim Cooper, Tom Rafferty, and himself–which paved the way for Pro Football Hall of Fame RB Tony Dorsett.
Cheers to Donovan earning the Greatest #67 award, and check back tomorrow to find out who’s the Greatest #66.
