Mr. Cowboy tops Cowboys’ all-time defensive linemen list

While the NFL didn’t officially record sacks until 1982, an unofficial estimate credits Lilly with 95.5 sacks.

He scored four touchdowns — three on fumble recoveries and another on a 17-yard interception return. One fumble recovery for a score went for 42 yards.

He also played in two Super Bowls. His iconic cigar-smoking photo celebrated the end of years of championship frustrations with a victory in Super Bowl VI. He was the anchor for the Cowboys’ defense throughout his career.

He became the first member of the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor when it was introduced in 1975 at Texas Stadium.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 1980, his first year of eligibility.

The Manster

The year after Lilly retired, the Cowboys drafted Randy White with the second overall pick. White would be a backup at defensive end in 1975 and then at linebacker in 1976. But in 1977 he moved into the right defensive tackle slot and never looked back.

Officially credited with 52 sacks (1982-1988) he is unofficially credited with 111 sacks.

White, like Lilly, intercepted one pass in his career and recovered 10 fumbles. He recorded one safety, but he never found the endzone.

White did win one Super Bowl in three appearances, earning a co-MVP with Harvey Martin in Super Bowl XII. The duo dominated the game in the 27-10 win over Denver, terrorizing former Cowboys Quarterback Craig Morton.

White’s name, along with Tony Dorsett, was added to the Ring of Honor on October 9, 1994. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the same year.

As for the “Manster” nickname — half man, half monster — that came courtesy of teammate Charlie Waters.

The Cowboys’ strong safety said of White: “the way Randy plays he has to be part-man and part-monster.”

Too Tall

Ed “Too Tall” Jones played 15 seasons for Dallas, taking the 1979 season off to pursue a short-lived boxing career.

NFL quarterbacks were grateful for the one-year reprieve.

At six-feet-nine inches, Jones was a walking wall that was hard to throw a pass over.