Dallas Cowboys: 30 greatest players in franchise history

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2 Oct 1994: Tight end Jay Novacek of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during a game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. The Cowboys won the game, 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport /

player. 123. . Tight End. (1990-1996). Jay Novacek. 28

Although Jay Novacek spent the first five years of his NFL career with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, his time in Dallas still makes him one of the greatest Cowboys in franchise history.

Joining America’s Team as a free agent in 1990, the former sixth-round pick out of Wyoming in 1985 came to Big “D” in his prime when he was 27-years old.

His special connection with quarterback Troy Aikman resulted in 339 receptions for 3,576 yards and 22 touchdowns during his six-year run with the Cowboys. Novacek was also part of three Super Bowl championship teams in Dallas, and could arguably be considered the fourth man on The Triplets.

Novacek was a five-time Pro Bowler and twice was named an All-Pro. His impact on those early nineties Cowboy teams was unmistakable and overshadowed by other, more popular names on their offense.

Jay Novacek was a clutch, hard-nosed tight end that always stepped up in big moments. In fact, during the Cowboys’ three championship victories, he posted a combined 17 catches for 148 yards and two scores. There may be other tight ends with better numbers, but not many have had the success Novacek did during his time in Dallas.

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