Ranking the top 10 Dallas Cowboys running backs of all time

7. Herschel Walker, 1986-1989 and 1996-1997

6,047 yards from scrimmage, 35 total offensive touchdowns

No. 10 All-Time Cowboys Rushing Yardage: 3,491

Oftentimes when Herschel Walker is mentioned with the Dallas Cowboys, it's in reference to the insane trade Jimmy Johnson made to build their 1990s dynasty. In sending Walker to the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas received five players and six draft picks.

Three of those picks turned into franchise building blocks such as Kevin Smith, Russell Maryland, and Darren Woodson. One turned into the best running back in team history, Emmitt Smith.

While all that helped shape the Cowboys as we know them, there was a reason Minnesota gave up so much for Walker — the guy was a certified superstar. In his first two seasons with Dallas, he had 136 receptions for 1,552 yards which was the most any Cowboy had in their first two years in the league.

That record stood until 2021 when CeeDee Lamb had 153 receptions in his first two campaigns. So that means Walker still had a faster start to his receiving career than players such as Michel Irvin and Dez Bryant.

And he was still an elite runner, evidenced by his 1,514 yards in 1988.

Walker went on to do great things in the NFL but never had the same success with Minnesota, Philly, or the New York Giants. He finished his career in Dallas playing in 1995 and 1997. His numbers were modest but he still had some highlights at the age of 35.

Had Walker played his entire career in Dallas, he likely would have set plenty of records. But the trade worked out for the Cowboys and they clearly regret nothing.