We decided to go one step further and design the Dallas Cowboys’ all-time 53-man roster after having so much fun creating the team’s all-time offense and defense.
This was a difficult exercise to undertake because America’s Team has produced so many outstanding players over the years. For this exercise, we ultimately used 26 roster positions on the offensive side of the ball. Watch closely to see how we allocate the final 27 roster spots to special teams and defense.
Quarterback (3)
Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Tony Romo
How great would this be for the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback room. With Aikman’s support, Staubach is designated the starting quarterback.
Danny White or Tony Romo was the final quarterback to be selected. We narrowly chose Romo as the luxury quarterback here, but we might be able to slip White into our 53-roster at a completely other spot.
Running back (4)
Emmitt Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Dorsett, Daryl Johnston (FB)
Truly, a monster with three heads! With Tony Dorsett, Ezekiel Elliott, and Emmitt Smith running behind the offensive line we plan to place in front of them, along with Daryl Johnston’s ability to lead block, this RB trio would undoubtedly bully opposing defenses into submission.
Wide receiver (6)
Michael Irvin, Bob Hayes, CeeDee Lamb, Dez Bryant, Drew Pearson, Terrell Owens
With six wide receivers, the only issue would be dividing up the snaps amongst them. Personally, we think Michael Irvin and Bob Hayes should start outside with CeeDee Lamb in the slot, but there are so many interesting options for this bunch that there may not actually be a wrong one. This would be a really powerful aerial assault.
Tight end (3)
Jason Witten, Jay Novacek, Billy Joe Dupree
Funny how, now days, NFL teams are more interested in tight ends with pass-catching ability, like Jay Novacek or Billy Joe Dupree; meanwhile, Jason Witten was the standout player during that pass-happy period.
Even still, it would have been incredible to witness this trio of tight ends play together, with Witten serving as the TE1 and the other two covering the backup reps.
Tackle (4)
Rayfield Wright, Tyron Smith, Ralph Neely, Flozell Adams
With this formidable quartet stopping the opposition’s pass rushers, Dallas’ quarterbacks would remain unfazed, and the running backs would go crazy as they cleared the path for the running game. Naturally, Tyron Smith would start at left tackle and Rayfield Wright at right tackle, with support from Ralph Neely and Flozell Adams.
Guard (4)
Larry Allen, Zack Martin, Nate Newton, Tyler Smith
While it should go without saying that Nate Newton, Zack Martin, and Larry Allen top the Cowboys depth chart at guard, many of you may disagree with Tyler Smith’s inclusion. Though we truly loved Gurode’s versatility as a G/C, we believe he’s the next great Cowboys OG, therefore we gave him the nod.
Center (2)
Travis Frederick, Mark Stepnoski
One more obvious choice. We choose Travis Frederick as the starter with Mark Steponski as his backup, despite the fact that his career was cut short by an unpleasant autoimmune condition. Although opinions on who should start are debatable, this OC pair is the best option at this position for the all-time 53-roster.
