Week 1 Countdown: Why Butch Johnson Is The Best #86 in Dallas Cowboys History

The only thing between fans and actual Dallas Cowboys Football right now is 86 Days, and don’t worry–you aren’t the only one freaking out.

Five days ago, I launched a Countdown to Week 1 post highlighting L.P. Ladouceur as the best No.91 to ever play for the Cowboys, and now I’m going to make this continuous series until we see them take on the Bucs in Week 1.

In today’s piece, I went through all of the Cowboys players ever to wear No.86, and after some debate, check out why I chose WR Butch Johnson.

Also, I hope you have a Happy Friday!

Butch Johnson’s Dallas Cowboys Career

A third-round pick in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson had three things that stood out for him during his time rocking silver and blue.

First, it was the acrobatic catches he made during his time as a Cowboy, but this catch below he made in Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos is arguably the most memorable.

https://twitter.com/stevenvanover/status/1239691358782144512?s=21&amp;t=PXGZnb1z6HCHftLysDpVBg

Up in the 3rd Quarter, former Cowboys QB Roger Staubach went for all and found Johnson streaking down the field for a 45-yard touchdown. The Cowboys would go on to win the Super Bowl (27-10), but the main thing some people will tell you from that game was it wasn’t a catch.

At least one Cowboys player catch got ruled eligible, right?

Second, besides his contributions in the receiving game, in which he finished his career with 132 receptions for 2,124 yards and 19 touchdowns, Johnson was a problem for opposing defenses in the punt/kick return game.

146 punt returns for 1,313 yards and 79 kick returns for 1,832 yards later, Johnson left the Cowboys second in franchise history for punt return yards and ninth in kickoff return yards.

(If only the Cowboys could go back-in-time, and use him in the return game today.)

Lastly, the thing that arguably most fans remember about Johnson besides his playmaking on the field has to be his touchdown celebration, the California Quake.

https://twitter.com/SportsSturm/status/909862998491238400?s=20&t=TN2tU3sOIVntqcIHxsrDrw

After every TD, Johnson would perform this celebration by shaking his whole body, spiking the football, and pretend to shoot guns with his hands. Many believe his celebration was part of the reason the NFL cracked down on limiting celebrations, but he will forever be remembered for his iconic dance.

Check back tomorrow to find out who was the Best 85, and let us know in the comments if you agree about each player. Have a great weekend!