Ranking the top 10 Dallas Cowboys running backs of all time
• Tony Dorsett remains a stud
• Emmitt Smith set an impossible record
By Randy Gurzi
5. Calvin Hill, 1969-1974
6,368 yards from scrimmage, 45 total offensive touchdowns
No. 5 All-Time Cowboys Rushing Yardage: 5,009
For the first six seasons of his professional career, Calvin Hill was a member of the Dallas Cowboys — and was very successful. The 24th overall selection out of Yale in 1969, he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after gaining 942 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
In addition to his Rookie of the Year trophy, Hill was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a First-Team All-Pro and a Second-Team All-Pro twice each. He was at the height of his success in 1972 and 1973 when he had more than 1,000 yards in each of those seasons.
Hill even won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys following the 1971 campaign when they knocked off the Miami Dolphins. He wasn't their top runner that year and even in the Super Bowl he had just seven attempts for 25 yards while Duane Thomas had 95 yards on 19 carries and Walt Garrison went for 74 yards on 14 attempts but still did his part.
In 1974, Hill was selected by The Hawaiians of the World Football League. He stayed in Dallas for one more year but then joined them in 1975. The WFL then folded and while Hill returned to the league, it was to play for Washington. He spent two seasons there before heading to Cleveland to play for the Browns for four years.