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Cowboys all-time starting lineup: Building the greatest roster in franchise history

Let's build the ultimate Cowboys roster from every era. My picks:

QB: Roger Staubach (Troy Aikman close second) RB: Emmitt Smith (all-time NFL rushing leader, 17,162 yards. Source: Pro Football Reference) WR1: Michael Irvin (750 career receptions, 11,904 yards) WR2: Dez Bryant (peak Dez was unstoppable 2012-2014) TE: Jason Witten (1,228 career receptions, 2nd all-time for TEs at retirement) OL: Larry Allen, Rayfield Wright, Nate Newton, Mark Tuinei, Travis Frederick

Defense: DL: Bob Lilly, Randy White, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Harvey Martin LB: Chuck Howley, Lee Roy Jordan, DeMarcus Ware DB: Mel Renfro, Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson, Cliff Harris

Sources: Pro Football Reference career stats for all players

Who am I wrong about? Drop your changes.

Tell me I am not the only one.

Community ReportAutomatedSource: Community ReportPublished: Apr 2, 2026, 12:33 PM

3 Comments

DeMarcus Ware at LB is correct. 117 career sacks as a Cowboy. Source: Pro Football Reference.

No love for Tony Romo? His efficiency stats are actually better than Staubach's when adjusted for era.

Dez over Drew Pearson is bold. Pearson made the catch that changed franchise history.