Countdown: Erik Williams Slightly Edges Harvey Martin as the Greatest #79

We’re officially 79 days until kickoff, and for those who have been keeping up with my countdown posts that crown the best player who corresponds with the number of days left until Week 1, I want to say thank you.

While I did miss publishing a piece for the Best #80 in Dallas Cowboys History, my choice would have been WR Alvin Harper.

And before anyone gets flustered about the pick (because I know there is another WR who arguably deserves his flowers,)–leave a comment below if you want to learn why I chose Harper.

With that said, in today’s post, you know the drill. We’re 79 days away, and while that may seem like a long-time till we see any Cowboys action, training camp is next month.

When I first looked at all the players who have worn #79, I admit it was easy to narrow down the list quickly to two players. But before I disclose which two, here are all of the players who wore the number below:

Ben Bass

Michael Bennet

Kenneth Boatright

Robert Brewster

Willie Broughton

Sal Cesario

Char-ron Dorsey

Ron EastKen Frost

Chaz Green

Forrest Gregg

Justin Hamilton

John Hunt

Dick Klein

Harvey Martin

Marques McFadden

Ty Nsekhe

Rob Petitti

Jacob Rogers

Daryle Smith

Larry Stephens

Erik Williams

After some research, debate (with myself), and good coffee to keep my energy up, I chose Tackle Erik Williams over Defensive End Harvey Martin.

While Martin did have a highly-productive career defensively and snagged a DPOY award along his ride, Williams was the player for me because of his accomplishments.

Also, he and his teammates were the driving force behind Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith becoming the NFL’s All-Time rushing leader. So, he’s a big deal.

Known as “Big E,” William’s career began in 1991 after getting drafted by the Boys in the third round. Williams wouldn’t smell the field until his sophomore year, and from there–he would become a household name.

Week in and week out, Williams brought a nasty, aggressive style of play to the Cowboy’s offensive line, and he was a critical piece that propelled the franchise to three Super Bowl Victories.

Additionally, he was a part of an offensive line nicknamed “The Great Wall of Dallas.”

Although his success, Williams’s career was short-lived, as he got into a severe car accident that made him miss the entire season in 1994, and he essentially was not the same player.

Nonetheless, Williams was one of many great offensive linemen that have donned the silver and blue, and because of that, he was my Best #79 Ever in Dallas Cowboys History.

Plus, HOF DE Michael Strahan credited Williams in his HOF speech as one of the toughest opponents he’s ever faced, so how couldn’t he be the best if a great defensive end like Strahan praised him?