Dallas Cowboys: 30 greatest players in franchise history
Cornerback. (1981-1989). Everson Walls. 19. player. 123.
No other rookie in NFL history has accomplished what undrafted cornerback Everson Walls out of Grambling State did in his first year with the Dallas Cowboys.
Walls recorded an amazing 11 interceptions in 1981, leading the league in that category and earning himself a Pro Bowl nomination. He was also named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team.
Walls would go on to lead the league in interceptions two more times, an NFL record. He would play for nine seasons in Dallas, earning himself four Pro Bowl invitations and three All-Pro first-team nominations. Walls recorded 44 interceptions during his time with America’s Team, the second-most all-time in Cowboys’ history.
Unfortunately, Walls would have to leave Dallas in order to get his first and only Super Bowl victory. He did so with the New York Giants after the 1990 regular season.
The talented defensive back would eventually end his career with the Cleveland Browns after Walls followed now-legendary coach Bill Belichick over from the Giants. His 57-career interceptions are tied for 14th most in NFL history.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence to get Everson Walls into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2018, he came the closest he’s been yet being named a modern-era finalist for entry into the Hall. Unfortunately, Walls did not receive enough votes to be inducted in his final year of eligibility. He’ll now be moved over to the Senior Pool hoping to earn his entry among other legends who have slipped through the cracks.