The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, “America’s Team,” have performed at a high level for more than 30 years. The team is a fan favorite far beyond the borders of Texas and the United States. Along with their great success on the field, the Dallas Cowboys have just as much success off the field and are considered one of the most valuable sports teams in North America. At the heart of the Cowboys’ great success is their game on the field and the people who have contributed to that game.
Throughout the franchise’s history, the Dallas Cowboys have had several stars whose skills and accomplishments have contributed to the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Countless players have given up the single star and blue and white jerseys of the Dallas Cowboys and taken to the field at Texas Stadium. In the process, some of them, like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith, have become legends of the game. One of the most successful teams in National Football League history, the Dallas Cowboys hold numerous league records, thanks to these players and many others over the years. The Cowboys hold the league record for most consecutive winning seasons, 20 total, from 1966 to 1985, as well as the record for most seasons with at least 10 wins (24). In addition, they have been Superbowl champions five times, a record they share with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The list of team records, plus Dallas Cowboys history, goes on and on.
A formidable team with an exceptional past, Cowboys football was particularly successful during the 30-year span from 1966 to 1996 during which the team made the playoffs 24 times, played in 14 NFC Championship games, won 19 division titles and came to the field for 8 Super Bowls, becoming five-time Super Bowl champions.
One man who contributed greatly to the early years of the team’s success was Bob Lilly, star defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1961 to 1974. Coming out of Texas Christian University, Lilly was the No. 1 draft pick in 1961 and the first draft pick. in Cowboys franchise history. As a defensive end early in his career, Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry would move Lilly to defensive tackle midway through his third season. As a tackle, Lilly was a first-team All-NFL choice every year from 1964 to 1969, and again in 1971 and 1972. Among Lilly’s greatest assets were his agility, quickness, instincts, and stamina. Lilly was an All Pro 7 times and played in 11 Pro Bowl games.
During his 14-year career, Lilly missed just one NFL game, the 1973 championship game, due to a leg injury. In addition to being the Cowboys’ first overall draft pick, he was the first player to spend his entire career with the Cowboys to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Affectionately known as “Mr. Cowboy,” Lilly was the first to receive the Cowboys’ ring of honor. She has had the added distinction of returning to Texas Stadium to introduce each new member in the Ring of Honor.
In 1980, Bob Lilly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named “the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history” by Sporting News. In 1999, Sporting News ranked Bob Lilly #10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Players in Football, making him the highest-ranking defensive lineman and highest-ranking Dallas Cowboy.
At one point, before joining the Cowboys, Lilly was gifted a 35mm camera and a year’s supply of film. Lilly was immediately interested in his gift, one that would become a passion. Throughout his NFL career, he would take pictures of the people and places he encountered. After his retirement, Lilly’s photographic interests continued and he made photography his new pursuit.
The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys have been an exceptional team over the years thanks to many outstanding stars. Bob Lilly, “Mr. Cowboy” was the first great cowboy and first cowboy legend to make his mark on the game, the history of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL.
