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5 Cowboys greats who finished their career with a different franchise

By Randy Gurzi

Arizona Cardinals Emmitt Smith (22) breaks away from St. Louis Rams Rich Coady (25) on the way to the endzone for a third qtr. touchdown at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, September 12, 2004. St. Louis Rams won the game 17-10. (Photo by Scott Rovak/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals Emmitt Smith (22) breaks away from St. Louis Rams Rich Coady (25) on the way to the endzone for a third qtr. touchdown at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, September 12, 2004. St. Louis Rams won the game 17-10. (Photo by Scott Rovak/Getty Images) /
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It’s always hard to get used to a player who is synonymous with success on one team wearing a different uniform. Michael Jordan wearing a Wizards uniform, Joe Montana in Chiefs gear, Patrick Ewing on the Orlando Magic and Seattle Supersonics, and Reggie Jackson on the Baltimore Orioles all looked out of place.

Even though it feels weird, this happens in every sport — hey, they’re all businesses deep down. For the Dallas Cowboys, this has happened with some of the biggest stars they’ve had during their history. Here, we look at five of their best players who finished their careers on different teams.

5 Cowboys greats who finished their careers elsewhere

Cowboys
49ers guard Larry Allen in action as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 20 to 14 at Monster Park, San Francisco, California, November 19, 2006. (Photo by Robert B. Stanton/Getty Images) /

5. Larry Allen, San Francisco 49ers

One of the best offensive linemen to ever play for the Cowboys organization was Larry Allen. A second-round pick in 1994, Allen played 12 seasons in Dallas and was part of their fifth Super Bowl championship team following the 1995 season.

https://twitter.com/MikeTaddow/status/1476020264446091264?s=20&t=0IPY0O4mcX8C0TSjtMbt_g

During his tenure, he played every spot other than center on the line and did each exceptionally well. Sadly, the Cowboys decided to part ways with Allen before he was ready to call it a career. He was released ahead of the 2006 season and immediately signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

Allen also had to change uniform numbers from 73 to 71, so not only did he look funny in the red and gold, but he also had a number that was unrecognizable.

Despite turning 35 that season, Allen was still a force at left guard and made his 11th Pro Bowl. He played one final season in 2007 and started 16 games and was an alternate Pro Bowl selection, proving he was still a capable player when he hung up the cleats.

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