Inside The Star
As we continue with the series, today’s post looks at the Cowboys’ all-time greats with last names that begin with the letters K through O.
At the beginning, and the end, the pickings were somewhat slim at K and O. But the list was loaded among the three letters in between.
So let’s get started.
There really weren’t a whole lot of options at K.
Jon Kitna had a solid NFL career, but was mid as a backup quarterback in Dallas. Derek Kennard (OG – 1994-96) and Jayron Kearse (DB – 2021-23) had solid, but brief stays with the Cowboys.
Which opened the door for offensive guard Crawford Ker, who played in Dallas from 1985-90, to wedge his 6-3, 288-lb frame into the top spot.
For now, at least.
Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland will have his chance to nudge Ker off of his perch. But that won’t be for a few more years yet.
Heavy lies the head that wears the crown, Crawford.
And there’s your obligatory Shakespeare reference for the decade.
The Best: Crawford Ker.
Like one or two others before, all but one of the players in this letter group had no chance. There were several that could easily be the best of the L-named players.
Except they are lumped in with Mr. Cowboy, Bob Lilly.
The first-ever draft pick of the franchise, Lilly was the face of the team just as much as Tom Landry.
He powered his way through the lean, early years, the bitter losses in championship games to the Packers, and the tough loss to the Colts in Super Bowl V.
He, more than any other that day, deserved the Super Bowl VI win over Miami. Hands down, he is the best in this group.
The list he beat out is as impressive. Receiver CeeDee Lamb (2020-25) has the best chance at unseating Lilly down the road.
Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence (2014-24), linebacker Sean Lee (2010-13, 2015-20), defensive tackle Leon Lett (1991-2000), and linebackers D.D. Lewis (1968, 1970-81) and Eugene Lockhart (1984-90) are all worth honorable mentions.
As is quarterback Eddie LeBaron (1960-63). Not only was he Dallas’ first starting quarterback, throwing the franchise’s first touchdown pass, he survived four seasons of being thrown to the wolves.
At the time, the Cowboys were taking anyone that walked past the door to suit up and play.
LeBaron took a beating those years and deserves a shoutout.
The Best: Bob Lilly
The Cowboys had two starting quarterbacks with last names starting with M. You’d think either Don Meredith (1960-68) or Craig Morton (1965-74) would get the nod here.
But neither man could bring home a championship to Dallas.
Although, technically, Morton won a title while serving as a backup to Roger Staubach.
There were two other offensive players that earned honorable mention in this group. Center Dave Manders (1964-66,1968-74) and running back DeMarco Murray (2011-14).
But the battle for the...
