Blogging The Boys
We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 83) with some Cowboys history
We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.
Today - number 83.
Born: March 22, 1969. Chicago, Illinois
Position: Defensive tackle
Dallas Cowboys: 1991-1995
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXVII, XXVIII, XXX
Pro Bowl- 1993
Russell Maryland played defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1991 to 1995 after being selected as the first overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami, becoming one of only three defensive tackles to be drafted in the top-10 by Dallas. Maryland quickly established himself as a dependable and powerful interior lineman on one of the most dominant defenses of the 1990s. Known for his strength, quickness off the snap, and team-first mentality, he was a key part of the Cowboys’ dynasty, helping the team win three Super Bowls during his five seasons in Dallas.
Best known for:
Maryland was best known for being the first overall pick in the 1991 draft and anchoring the interior of the defensive line during the Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning run in the early ’90s.
Lesser known fact:
Although Maryland was the first overall pick made by the Cowboys, he was the team’s second option after the initial number one prospect, Raghib Ismail, decided to sign with the Toronto Argonauts.
