DB.RACEFACE.COM
EXPERT INSIGHTS & DISCOVERY

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback History

NEWS
qFU > 779
NN

News Network

April 12, 2026 • 6 min Read

D

DALLAS COWBOYS QUARTERBACK HISTORY: Everything You Need to Know

Dallas Cowboys Quarterback History is a rich and storied one, spanning over five decades of the NFL. From the early days of Don Meredith to the modern era of Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have had their fair share of legendary quarterbacks who have led the team to numerous championships and broken numerous records. If you're a die-hard Cowboys fan or just a football enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the history of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback position, highlighting the key players, milestones, and achievements that have made this team one of the most beloved and successful in the NFL.

Early Years (1960-1970s)

The Dallas Cowboys' quarterback history began in 1960 with Eddie LeBaron, who played for the team from 1960 to 1963. LeBaron was a key player in the Cowboys' early years, leading the team to their first playoff appearance in 1961. However, it was Don Meredith who is often credited with establishing the Cowboys as a dominant force in the NFL. Meredith played for the Cowboys from 1960 to 1969 and led the team to their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl V. Meredith was a true leader on and off the field, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976. If you're a fan of the Cowboys, it's worth noting that Meredith's legacy continues to be felt today, with many current players citing him as an inspiration. Here are some key quarterbacks from the early years of the Cowboys:
  • Eddie LeBaron (1960-1963)
  • Don Meredith (1960-1969)
  • Craig Morton (1965-1972)

The Roger Staubach Era (1970-1979)

Roger Staubach is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Dallas Cowboys history. He played for the team from 1969 to 1979 and led the team to two Super Bowl championships (VI and XII). Staubach was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He is remembered for his clutch performances, including the famous "Hail Mary" touchdown pass in a 1975 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. Staubach's leadership and work ethic were instrumental in the Cowboys' success during the 1970s. He was a true leader who inspired his teammates and was beloved by the fans. If you're a fan of the Cowboys, it's worth noting that Staubach's legacy continues to be felt today, with many current players citing him as a role model. Here are some key statistics from Staubach's career:
Season Passing Yards Passing Touchdowns Interceptions
1969 1,989 17 20
1970 2,722 20 21
1975 1,500 15 8

The Troy Aikman Era (1989-2000)

Troy Aikman played for the Cowboys from 1989 to 2000 and led the team to three Super Bowl championships (XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX). Aikman was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He is remembered for his clutch performances, including two Super Bowl MVP awards. Aikman's leadership and work ethic were instrumental in the Cowboys' success during the 1990s. He was a true leader who inspired his teammates and was beloved by the fans. If you're a fan of the Cowboys, it's worth noting that Aikman's legacy continues to be felt today, with many current players citing him as a role model. Here are some key quarterbacks from the 1990s:

The Tony Romo Era (2004-2015)
dallas cowboys quarterback history serves as one of the most storied and beloved narratives in the National Football League. With five Super Bowl wins and a plethora of legendary quarterbacks, the Dallas Cowboys have a rich history of on-field success and a loyal fan base. In this article, we'll delve into the annals of Cowboys quarterback history, highlighting key players, their achievements, and the impact they've had on the franchise.

The Early Years: Don Meredith and Craig Morton

The Cowboys' quarterback history began in the early 1960s with Don Meredith, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and member of the Cowboys' inaugural draft class in 1960. Meredith's playing style was a mix of athleticism and toughness, earning him the nickname "Dandy Don." He led the team to two playoff appearances and left an indelible mark on the franchise.

Following Meredith's departure, Craig Morton took over as the Cowboys' starting quarterback. Morton's time behind center was marked by a pair of playoff appearances, including a memorable 1970 NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Morton's strengths included his accuracy and poise in the pocket, but his inability to lead the team to a championship remains a missed opportunity in Cowboys history.

From a statistical perspective, both Meredith and Morton had their share of highs and lows. Here's a comparison of their career statistics:

Quaterback Games Played Passing Yards Touchdowns
Don Meredith 84 14,158 115
Craig Morton 114 20,003 138

The Roger Staubach Era: A Legacy of Excellence

Enter Roger Staubach, the iconic quarterback who would lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowls and cement his status as one of the greatest in franchise history. Staubach's playing style was a blend of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, earning him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Staubach's accomplishments on the field are well-documented: two Super Bowl wins, six Pro Bowl appearances, and an MVP award in Super Bowl VI. However, his impact on the team went beyond on-field success. He was a true leader who commanded respect and inspired confidence in his teammates.

One of Staubach's most enduring legacies is his ability to perform under pressure. In a 1971 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, he famously led the Cowboys to a comeback victory, completing 2 of 3 passes on a game-winning drive. This moment showcased his clutch gene and cemented his status as a Cowboy legend.

The Danny White Years: A Rollercoaster Ride

Following Staubach's retirement, Danny White took over as the Cowboys' starting quarterback. White's time behind center was marked by inconsistency and a series of highs and lows. He led the team to a Super Bowl XII appearance, but also suffered a string of disappointing losses.

One of White's most notable strengths was his ability to throw the touchdown pass. He holds the franchise record for most career touchdown passes with 166. However, his career was also marred by a series of turnovers, including a infamous 1981 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he threw four interceptions.

Despite his inconsistent performance, White remains a beloved figure in Cowboys history. His ability to connect with fans and his dedication to the franchise earned him a lasting place in the hearts of Cowboys Nation.

The Troy Aikman Era: A Dominant Quarterback

Enter Troy Aikman, the three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest quarterbacks in Cowboys history. Aikman's playing style was a mix of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, earning him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Aikman's accomplishments on the field are staggering: three Super Bowl wins, six Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl XXVII MVP award. However, his impact on the team went beyond on-field success. He was a true leader who inspired confidence in his teammates and brought a sense of calm to the huddle.

One of Aikman's most notable strengths was his ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. This allowed him to extend plays and avoid sacks, earning him the nickname "The Comeback Kid."

The Tony Romo Era: A裏ly Talented Quarterback

Following Aikman's retirement, Tony Romo took over as the Cowboys' starting quarterback. Romo's time behind center was marked by inconsistency and a series of highs and lows. He led the team to a playoff appearance in 2009 but also suffered a string of heartbreaking losses.

One of Romo's most notable strengths was his ability to extend plays with his feet. He holds the franchise record for most career rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,655. However, his career was also marred by a series of injuries, including a season-ending collarbone injury in 2015.

Despite his inconsistent performance, Romo remains a beloved figure in Cowboys history. His ability to connect with fans and his dedication to the franchise earned him a lasting place in the hearts of Cowboys Nation.

The Dak Prescott Era: A New Chapter in Cowboys History

Enter Dak Prescott, the current Cowboys quarterback and one of the most promising young players in the league. Prescott's playing style is a mix of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, earning him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Prescott's accomplishments on the field are impressive: two Pro Bowl appearances, a NFL passer rating of 96.4 in 2016, and a clutch performance in a 2016 playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. However, his impact on the team goes beyond on-field success. He has become a leader and a symbol of hope for the franchise, inspiring confidence in his teammates and fans alike.

One of Prescott's most notable strengths is his ability to make plays outside of the pocket. He has a knack for extending plays with his feet and making plays in the open field. This has earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents, who praise his ability to stay calm under pressure.

Discover More

Discover Related Topics

#dallas cowboys quarterbacks #cowboys quarterback history #nfl quarterback history #dallas cowboys qb history #cowboys quarterbacks all time #dallas cowboys starting quarterbacks #nfl quarterbacks by team #cowboys quarterback stats #dallas cowboys quarterback roster #cowboys all time quarterbacks