Former quarterbacks who played for the Dallas Cowboys are among the best the NFL has ever seen. They have significantly contributed to the team's historical achievements and have left a lasting impact on the game. Since the team's foundation in 1960, numerous quarterbacks have led the team, but which ones are part of the all-time list?
When compiling this list of the greatest former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks, we took into account several key factors, including their win-loss records, notable achievements, and the significant contributions they made to the team. We consulted reliable sources such as GiveMeSport, the Landry Hat, and Sports Illustrated.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks
| Player | Record |
| Troy Aikman | 95-71 |
| Roger Staubach | 85-29 |
| Tony Romo | 78-49 |
| Dak Prescott | 61-36 |
| Danny White | 62-30 |
| Don Meredith | 47-32-4 |
| Craig Morton | 32-14-1 |
| Drew Bledsoe | 12-10 |
| Steve Beuerlein | 4-0 |
| Eddie LeBaron | 5-22-1 |
A quarterback is widely regarded as the most pivotal position in the NFL, responsible for controlling the ball and making key decisions that significantly affect a team's performance. The Dallas Cowboys have boasted some of the greatest quarterbacks in the sport, and a list of the best follows below.
1. Troy Aikman
- Troy Kenneth Aikman
- November 21, 1966
- West Covina, California
- Super Bowl, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
Troy Aikman is widely regarded as the greatest Dallas Cowboys quarterback in history. He played a crucial role in the team's success, especially during a period when they struggled to win. The Cowboys selected Aikman as a first-round pick in the 1989 NFL draft.
He led them to the Super Bowls of 1992, 1993, and 1995, and was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1992 game. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, received six Pro Bowl selections, and finished his career with a regular-season record of 95-71.
2. Roger Staubach
- Roger Thomas Staubach
- February 5, 1942
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Super Bowl winner, Super Bowl most valuable player
Roger Staubach is the most famous Dallas Cowboys quarterback. In 1964, the Cowboys selected him in the 10th round with the 129th pick, but Staubach was a future choice, as he first returned to serve in the United States Navy.
Subsequently, he joined the team in 1967 at the age of 27. He initially started as a backup quarterback before becoming the primary option, leading the Cowboys to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in 1971.
Prior to his retirement, Staubach won another in 1977 and accumulated other honours, including Super Bowl MVP, NFL Man of the Year, six Pro Bowl selections, and an 85-29 record.
3. Tony Romo
- Antonio Ramiro Romo
- April 21, 1980
- San Diego, California
- Four-time Pro Bowl, Walter Payton Man of the Year
Romo is a key figure in the Cowboys' quarterback history, serving the team from 2003 to 2016. He was initially undrafted in 2003, but developed into a consistent and dependable presence on the field.
Although he did not win the Super Bowl, Romo boasts an impressive record, especially considering he was not selected in the draft. In 2014, he finished the season as the NFL passer rating leader and NFL completion percentage leader, with a record of 78-49.
4. Dak Prescott
- Rayne Dakota Prescott
- July 29, 1993
- Sulphur, Louisiana
- NFL Rookie of the Year for Offense, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
Prescott was initially expected to learn from Tony Romo. However, Romo got injured, and the Cowboys had to find a new quarterback. After a failed search, they chose Prescott, who is now the Cowboys' starting quarterback.
After an impressive rookie season in which he led his team to a 13-3 record and recorded the highest passing rate by a rookie quarterback, as well as the highest completion percentage, Prescott was awarded the NFL Rookie of the Year. To date, he boasts a 61-36 win-loss record.
5. Danny White
- Wilford Daniel White
- February 9, 1952
- Mesa, Arizona
- Super Bowl XII champion, Pro Bowl selection
Danny played for the Cowboys from 1976 to 1988. He was drafted in 1974 as a third-round pick for the Memphis Southmen and then moved to Dallas after two years. He joined the team after Staubach retired and won a Super Bowl with the team. He concluded his career with a 62-30 record.
6. Don Meredith
- Joseph Donald Meredith
- April 10, 1938
- Mount Vernon, Texas
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
Don Meredith was the quarterback for the Cowboys during the 1960s. He was selected in the third round of the 1960 draft and played for the team until 1968. Meredith led the Cowboys to the 1966 and 1967 NFL Championship games.
Although he did not win a Super Bowl, he gained recognition as a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was part of the 1966 second-team All-Pro, and won the Bert Bell Award. Meredith compiled a 47-32-4 record.
7. Craig Morton
- Larry Craig Morton
- February 5, 1943
- Flint, Michigan
- Super Bowl champion
Morton was selected as the first pick in the 1965 NFL draft and served as a backup to Don Meredith. He took over as the team's primary quarterback in 1969 and led them to the playoffs. Two years later, Morton led his team to a Super Bowl victory. He accumulated a total of 32 wins, 14 losses, and one tie throughout his career.
8. Drew Bledsoe
- Drew McQueen Bledsoe
- February 14, 1972
- Ellensburg, Washington
- Super Bowl
Although Drew Bledsoe had a brief but significant stint with the Dallas Cowboys, it was a memorable one. He was reunited with Bill Parcells, and the intention was for him to become the team's long-term quarterback. In his first season, he threw over 3,000 yards for the ninth time in his career.
He kept the team's playoff aspirations alive until the final day of the season. Unfortunately, they missed out on postseason qualification, but Bledsoe managed to lead them to a 9-7 record, an improvement over their 6-10 mark in 2004.
Unfortunately, his performance declined in the following season, and he was let go at the end of 2006. Nonetheless, he concluded his career with a 12-10 record.
9. Steve Beuerlein
- Stephen Taylor Beuerlein
- March 7, 1965
- Hollywood, California
- Super Bowl champion
Beuerlein was signed by the Cowboys in 1991 as a backup to quarterback Troy Aikman. He quickly became involved in the action when Aikman was unable to play due to an injury.
He threw for 909 yards, leading the team to a win against Washington, who had an 11-0 record. As a result, Beuerlein was kept on the team even after Aikman's return. He played with them for one year, finishing with a 4-0 record.
10. Eddie LeBaron
- Edward Wayne LeBaron Jr.
- January 7, 1930
- San Rafael, California
- National Football League Rookie of the Year
Eddie LeBaron was the Dallas Cowboys' first quarterback. In his first season, he participated in 10 out of 12 games, achieving the team's initial touchdown in a preseason game against San Francisco. He retired after the 1963 season concluded.
Final word
These are the former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks who have left a lasting impact on the team's history, thanks to their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and love for the game.