Countdown: Rayfield “Big Cat” Wright Is the Greatest #70

We’re officially 70 days away until the Cowboys take on those pesky Buccaneers, and we’re back again with another Countdown to Week 1 post. Two days ago, I crowned Ed “Too Tall” Jones as the Greatest #72, and if you like to check out why, click here.

Skimming through all players who have worn #70, you quickly find two players who stand out more than their peers by a mile in terms of excellence and dominance during their respected careers, but before I share who those two are–check out all players who have donned No.70:

Players who have worn #70:

T Ethan Brook; T Javier Collins; DE Tyrone Crawford; T/G Leonard Davis; T/G Dale Hellestrae; DT Frank Kearse; DT Jerome Long; G Zack Martin; T Bob McCreary; G/T Dale Memmelaar; DL Drake Nevis; G/T Howard Richards; T Bill Sandeman; C/G Mark Stepnoski; C/G Bob White; and T Rayfield Wright.

As mentioned, you realize quickly two players stand out more than most, but if you haven’t figured out who they are, then I would have to think you’re not a real Cowboys fan.

I’m just kidding.

All jokes aside, after establishing Guard Zack Martin and Tackle Rayfield Wright as the best two players at #70, I got stuck in a funk on who I wanted to choose.

With Martin, you have a player who has shown elite play since entering the league in 2014 and is arguably the league’s best guard today.

Additionally, you could argue that Martin is currently your most important player on the Cowboys, so that could mean more for his selection, but that conversation is for another day.

However, although Martin has a star-studded resume, Wright got the nod in today’s selection.

Wright started his career in 1967 with the Cowboys after getting drafted in the seventh round (182nd overall) as a TE. A tight end!!!

And for those who like fun facts: Wright spent his first couple of years as a Tight End, Defensive Lineman, and Offensive Tackle. Is there anyone in the league that could do that today? Or even on the Cowboys that you all would consider?

Anyways, Wright’s dominant career wouldn’t begin until his third season, as he got his first career start at Right Tackle.

From there, Wright would hold down that position for 13 years and snag several All-Pro awards (6), Pro Bowls (6), 2 Super Bowl victories, and later get selected as a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and inducted into the 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame following his career.

Wright was a player who was praised for doing it all and was instrumental in paving the way for the 1970s Cowboys offenses, which had multiple 1000-yard rushers.

Although I never saw Wright play, seeing his dominance in the video below blew my mind. I would argue he’s the second-best lineman the franchise has ever had (behind Larry Allen).

Rayfield Wright defied the odds starting out as a 7th round pick to then go on and have a Hall of Fame career. This is his #NFLDraft story.@dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/cMiUzs2ZjC

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 2, 2021

Wright did everything right as a player, no pun intended, but he got the honor of being my Greatest #70 ever in Cowboys History. He, unfortunately, passed away this past year, but “Big Cat” will forever be a legend in Cowboys history and fans’ hearts.

May he rest in peace.