Dallas Cowboys: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Linebacker Lee Roy Jordan anchored the Dallas Cowboys’ legendary Doomsday defense for 14 years. Selected sixth overall in the 1963 NFL Draft out of Alabama by the Cowboys, Jordan was also chosen in the second round of the AFL Draft by the Boston Patriots that very same year.

Ultimately, Jordan chose the much warmer climate of Dallas over the snowy winters of Boston to play pro football. He became a starter as a rookie along the Cowboys’ linebacker corps, despite being undersized at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. His ferocious play would earn him the nickname “Killer”.

The Sean Lee of his day, Jordan made up for his lack of size by being a fiery competitor and by diligently breaking down game film. His played allowed the Cowboys to go to three Super Bowls and five NFC Championship games during his tenure.

For many years Jordan was considered the Cowboys’ all-time leader in total tackles with 743. He was later eclipsed by safety Darren Woodson who posted 813 combined tackles. Jordan does hold the current record for most career interceptions by a linebacker with 32 picks.

Lee Roy Jordan was a critical member of the Dallas Cowboys’ first Super Bowl victory in 1971. He earned five Pro Bowl nominations and was named an All-Pro twice. Jordan won the NFC Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1973. He is a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor and was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.