We're officially 42 days away until the Dallas Cowboys Week One Kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and to honor the number of days, of course, we're back with another Countdown to Kickoff post.
While you are likely reading this as you get ready for work on a Monday, I want you to know two things. One, you're alive–and you made it to see another day. And two, I got you with another entertaining article, so we're all gravy, baby.
But with that in mind, let's get to business. In today's post, I skimmed through all 15 players career's and only found two worthy guys.
I thought for a moment that I could have had another tie as I had in my Greatest 54s post that crowned Chuck Howley and Randy White, but after some back-and-forth debate, I wound up choosing FS Barry Church over SS Randy Hughes.
While Hughes did have an SB Ring to his name, Church got the nod today because he was more impactful than Hughes during their stints with the franchise.
Let's check out Church's NFL Career below, and Happy Monday!
But first, here are all players who wore #42 for the Dallas Cowboys:
- Barry Church, SS/FS (2010-2016)
- Darryl Clack, RB (1986-1989)
- Ricky Easmon, CB (1985-1985)
- Troy Hambrick, RB (2001-2003)
- Anthony Henry, CB (2005-2008)
- Randy Hughes, SS (1975-1980)
- Don McIlhenny, RB (1960-1961)
- Keanu Neal, FS (2021-2022)
- Jimmy Ridlon (1963-1964)
- Stan Smagala, CB (1990-1991)
- Chris Warren, RB (1998-2000)
- Claxton Welch, RB (1969-1971)
- A.D. Whitfield, RB (1965-1965)
- Charlie Williams, CB (1995-1997)
- Robert Wilson, RB (1994-1994)
Barry Church's NFL Career
After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys signed the former four-year starter at Toledo as a UDFA. In his rookie year, Church didn't make much of an impact as he finished the season as the backup SS and complied 20 tackles.
It wasn't until his second year that Church saw the field more as he earned the starting SS gig, but he tore his Achilles, so another year went down the drain. But, while that could have spelled the end of his career, Church bounced back and had the best statistical year of his career (135 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one interception).
Church led or was among the team leaders in tackles for the rest of his Cowboys career.
But if there were other things I most remember about Church beside the numbers, it was his massive hits and leadership he had while on the field. Although he wasn't the most athletically gifted player, Church proved to be a solid defender during this time.
Barry Church with the play of the game. No idea what Cousins saw there. Garçon doesn't seem happy about it pic.twitter.com/aaLUG6LP4w
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 20, 2016
While he did leave the Cowboys in 2017 for the Jacksonville Jaguars and threw shade at the team in a Training Camp media session by saying the Jags had more talent than the Boys, that's the past, and Church is still my Greatest #42 in Dallas Cowboys History.
Also, before we get going here–a random fact for your day is that Church is the only player in NFL History with the last name “Church,” according to Pro-Football-Reference.
So, boom! Now you can tell all your friends a random useless, fun fact. But come back on Tuesday to find out who my Greatest #41 in Dallas Cowboys History is, and I hope you all conquer the start of your week.
