Dallas Cowboys: 5 Cult Heroes in Team History

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Dallas Cowboys fans know that their team has plenty of memorable names that have helped etch their place in NFL history. While many great names have worn the star on their helmet, the following five men have earned their place in the Cowboys' history books.

With a history of over 50 years, there's bound to be a name or two you believe should have made this list, but none will argue these selections were crucial parts to creating the allure that surrounds this proud franchise.

Drew Pearson

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Wide receiver Drew Pearson was about as clutch as you can get at his position, which is probably why quarterback Roger Staubach looked to him in almost every crucial situation.

Appropriately nicknamed "Mr. Clutch," Pearson made the No. 88 famous before the likes of Dez Bryant and Michael Irvin with his sure-thing hands and his blue-chip mentality. 

An undrafted free-agent signing, Pearson fought his way onto the Cowboys' roster and rose through the ranks, becoming one of the first dominant receivers in the franchise's history.

While the Tulsa product may have a Super Bowl ring and three Pro Bowl selections to his name, he'll forever be remembered for the "Hail Mary" reception against the Minnesota Vikings in the 1975 NFC divisional playoffs that helped win the game for Dallas.

Hey, Canton, Ohio. It's about time you let this man join his fellow legends in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Larry Brown

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Cornerback Larry Brown wasn't the best at his position on Dallas' roster, but his MVP performance in Super Bowl XXX forever makes him a cult hero.

Brown was kind of like Terence Newman but with much less skill. He was constantly getting beat by the opposition, but when it came postseason time, No. 24 found another gear.

Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Art Monk are just a few of the names Brown shut down during the Cowboys' three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s.

His two interceptions against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Neil O'Donnell won't ever be forgotten, as he helped clinch the title that made Dallas the team of the '90s.

Randy White

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During the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers had their "Steel Curtain" anchored by "Mean" Joe Greene, but Dallas had the "Doomsday Defense" powered by linebacker Randy White.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer reached Canton thanks to his dominating presence on defense, posting nine consecutive Pro Bowl seasons and was one of two men to hoist the Super Bowl XII MVP trophy.

Nicknamed "The Manster" (half man, half monster), White was everything a coach could ask for in a defensive player, and the fans went crazy every time No. 54 made an opposing quarterback hit the dirt.

Emmitt Smith

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The NFL's all-time leading rusher is about as qualified for this list as one can get.

The guy did everything you could ask a running back to do. Smith, along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, powered the Cowboys' 1990s offense and brought three Super Bowl titles to Big D in the process.

The Florida product earned his star more times than many former or current Cowboys can say.

Smith played each game like it was his last, and because of his incredible drive he became one of the greatest running backs to ever step onto an NFL field.

Whether it was his playoff game in which he fought through an injured shoulder or when he finally broke Walter Payton's rushing record, Smith exemplified what it meant to be a Dallas Cowboy.

Roger Staubach

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When I think Dallas Cowboys football, I immediately see Roger Staubach. That's coming from a guy who wasn't even born during No. 12's historic run in Big D.

Roger "The Dodger" served in the military, won the Heisman Trophy as the quarterback for Navy and became the most decorated quarterback to ever play for America's Team.

There are some phenomenal players who have laced up and taken the field at Texas and Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the Cowboys, but none are more beloved or more respected than the Ohio native.

I've talked a fair amount through this article about what the star on the Cowboys helmet symbolizes. It stands for class, success and dedication.

The reason those words became associated with Dallas' star is due in large part to Staubach and his teammates bringing the franchise into its first taste of the NFL limelight during the 1970s.

From the "Hail Mary" pass to the Super Bowl championships, Staubach always found a way to win even if that idea looked improbable. He was one of the best under pressure, and his contributions to the Cowboys franchise will always be cherished and remembered by fans and the organization.