Dallas Cowboys: 30 greatest players in franchise history

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16 Nov 1986: Running back Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Cowboys won the game, 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport /

. Running Back. (1977-1987). Tony Dorsett. 9. player. 123

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett won the Heisman Trophy, a College National Championship, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and a Super Bowl all within the span of a year and change. Enough said.

Oh, do you need more? Okay. Well, the Cowboys drafted Dorsett second overall in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft after trading their own first-rounder and three second-round picks to move up for the Heisman-winning running back.

And Dorsett didn’t disappoint. The talented runner won the NFL Rookie of the Year award posting 1,007 rushing yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns during his first season in Dallas. He also helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XII over the Denver Broncos.

During his 12-year career, Dorsett would rush for over 1,000 yards in a season eight times. He would end up being nominated for the Pro Bowl four-times and three times he was named an All-Pro.

Dorsett ended his career as the Cowboys’ all-time rushing leader, posting an incredible 12,036 yards on the ground and 72 touchdowns during his tenure in Dallas. That yardage milestone would later be eclipsed by Emmitt Smith.

In 1994, Tony Dorsett was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.

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