We’re counting down the times till the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles within the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To go the time and mark the times, we requested a few of our writers to rank their top-100 gamers in Cowboys historical past utilizing no explicit standards, and put the outcomes collectively into one listing. The additional away you get from the highest 20 or so, the extra various the opinions. Generally it’s about extra than simply stats. Issues like fame degree, size of profession in Dallas, the period they performed in – all can have an effect on the place a person may rank them. So sit again and luxuriate in some Cowboys historical past whereas we countdown to soccer.
Immediately – quantity 94.
Born: March 8, 1961, Crockett, Texas
Picture by George Gojkovich/Getty Pictures
Place: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 1984-1990
Awards: All-Professional (1989)
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Eugene Lockhart performed linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1984 to 1990 after being drafted within the sixth spherical out of the College of Houston. Recognized for his depth and tackling potential, Lockhart rapidly turned a key a part of the Cowboys’ protection throughout a transitional interval for the crew. In 1989, he led the league in tackles, recording a career-high whole of 222, setting the franchise report.
Although the Cowboys weren’t huge contenders throughout most of his tenure, Lockhart remained a constant and productive presence on the sphere. His onerous hits and relentless tackling potential bought him the nickname “Eugene the hitting machine”. The unlucky half for Lockhart was the actual fact he was a standout participant and elite defender on a Cowboys roster that was at its lowest, even in his standout season in 1989 the Cowboys nonetheless went 1-15. For that reason, Lockhart missed out on huge alternatives and was by no means part of the Pro Bowl. With the arrival of Jimmy Johnson, regardless of main the crew in tackles once more in 1990, Lockhart was traded to the New England Patriots.
Greatest recognized for:
Lockhart was finest recognized for main the NFL in tackles in 1989 and being a hard-hitting power in the midst of the Cowboys’ protection. He led the crew in tackles in 4 of his seven years with the crew.
Lesser recognized truth:
In 2012, Lockhart was incarcerated for fraud, a second he deeply regrets and offers warning to folks about trusting the improper folks. Since leaving jail he now does motivational talking and mentorship, turning into a key function mannequin for younger athletes.
