Greatest Defensive Linemen in Dallas Cowboys History

Demarcus Lawrence made history this offseason by becoming the highest paid Dallas Cowboy player of All-time (or at least until Dak Prescott gets a new contract). Cowboy fans are hoping that he continues to produce at an elite level and becomes one of the greatest defensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history. Here is my current list of top 10 Dallas Cowboys defensive linemen of All-Time.

HONORABLE MENTION: Russell Maryland, Jay Ratliff, DeMarcus Lawrence

10. JIM JEFFCOAT 1983-1994

Jim Jeffcoat never made the pro-bowl despite being a productive pass rusher during his long tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. He was consistently among the league leaders in sacks for several seasons and even set a club record with 5 sacks in a single game. During the 90’s dynasty, Jeffcoat was a crucial part of a deep defensive line rotation and he won 2 Super Bowls with the team.

9. JETHRO PUGH 1965-1978

Jethro Pugh was often overshadowed by his teammates and is often associated with being blocked by Packers guard Jerry Kramer on the game winning TD in the “Ice Bowl”. In spite of that, he remains one of the greatest defensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history. He was a solid run defender and he also possessed excellent pass rush skills. Apart from being named an All-Pro on two occasions, Pugh was a crucial part of 2 Super Bowl winning teams.

8. LA’ROI GLOVER 2002-2005

His stint with the Dallas Cowboys was brief but La’Roi Glover was a force in the middle for the Cowboys. He made the Pro-Bowl in each of the four seasons he was with the team and he also made All-Pro twice. The Dallas Cowboys originally signed the former NFC Defensive Player of the Year as a free agent and he remains one of the better free agent acquisitions in team history.

7. GEORGE ANDRIE 1962-1972

George Andrie was a versatile Defensive End who could play on either side, was effective against the run, was a great pass rusher, and he could knock down passes at the line of scrimmage. He had the most success playing next to DT Bob Lilly and they won a Super Bowl together. Andrie was selected to 5 Pro-Bowls during his career and he was named as an All-Pro on 4 occasions.

6. LEON LETT 1991-2000

Leon Lett is remembered by some fans for two infamous plays and that is entirely unfair. Lett, who won 3 Super Bowls with the team, is a major reason why the 90’s defense was as dominant as they were. The “Big Cat” was so quick and so powerful that he would often be in the opponents backfield the moment the ball was snapped. Lett’s career was hampered by multiple suspensions for violating the leagues substance abuse policy, but at one point he was arguably the best defensive tackle in all of football. Lett was consistently double and triple teamed during his prime years so his production was indicative of his ability. He was never recognized as an All Pro he but he was named the the Pro-Bowl twice in his career. He is still a major part of the Dallas Cowboys organization today in his new role as a defensive line coach.

5. CHARLES HALEY 1992-1996

Charles Haley immediately made an impact with the Dallas Cowboys when Jerry Jones traded for the disgruntled former San Francisco 49er. That move is what propelled the Cowboys from contenders to champions. Haley only had a brief career with the Cowboys but it was a glorious one. His tenacity, knowledge of the game, and his big play ability were invaluable for the Dallas Cowboys dynasty that won 3 Super Bowls in 4 seasons.

4. ED “TOO TALL” JONES 1974-78 and 1980-89

Ed “Too Tall” Jones had one of the most iconic nicknames in sports history. He is also one of the longest tenured Dallas Cowboys players to have ever played despite taking a brief hiatus to pursue a career in boxing. He is said to have earned his nickname because he was told that he was “too tall” to play football. The 6″9 inch Jones proved all of his critics wrong and became a dominant force on the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. During his Cowboys career he was named to 3 Pro-Bowls and was also recognized as an All-Pro 3 times. “Too Tall” went on to win a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1978.

3. HARVEY MARTIN 1973-1983

Harvey Martin was a 4 time Pro-Bowl selection and 4 time All-Pro. He is one of the most dominate pass rushers to have ever played in the NFL. Sacks were not recognized as an official a statistic for most of his career but if they were he would have had recorded 23 sacks in 1977 in only 14 games. (Michael Strahan currently owns the NFL record with 22.5 in 16 games) That same year, Martin not only won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, but his team went on to win the Super Bowl and he along with LB Chuck Howley were the games MVP.

2. RANDY WHITE 1975-1988

Randy White earned the nickname “The Manster” due to his intensity and his freakish strength. In one locker room incident with teammate Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, White is said to have picked up Henderson by his throat with a single hand and held him up against a wall. White started out as a linebacker with the Cowboys but eventually moved to defensive tackle in his third season. There he blossomed into one of the greatest defensive players of all-time and went on to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. White was a highly decorated player. He made the Pro-Bowl and was named First Team All-Pro 9 times. In addition, he also won a Super Bowl ring with the Dallas Cowboys.

1. BOB LILLY 1961-1974

Bob Lilly was given the nickname “Mr.Cowboy”, and that is exactly what the 11x Pro-Bowler, 9x All Pro, and Super Bowl Champion was. He was the first ever draft pick in team history and the first Dallas Cowboy to be elected into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame. He is widely considered one of the greatest defensive tackles in the history of the NFL.  His combination of agility, quickness and strength made him virtually unblockable.  Off the field, he was considered a true gentlemen. He was never known as a dirty or bad tempered player.  His most famous moments in Dallas Cowboys history include Super Bowl V, when he uncharacteristically threw his helmet in frustration following the loss to the colts;  Also, his sack of Brian Griese in Super Bowl VI which resulted in a 29 yard loss. That play set the tone for a dominant performance by the Dallas Cowboys defense en route to their first Super Bowl  Championship in team history.

This is my list of the top 10 defensive linemen in Dallas Cowboys history. Please feel free to share your list or offer your opinion on which players should or should not be included.

*Photo’s by Jerry Coli www.dreamstime.com