The Best Dallas Cowboys Linebackers Of All Time
Big fan of Dallas football? Then check out this list of Dallas Cowboys linebackers with photos and seasons as starters. It includes every starting linebacker from throughout Dallas Cowboys history, including current linebackers and past ones. An important part of the Dallas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong-side or weak-side) linebackers. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Cowboys LBs include DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Bradie James, and Dat Nguyen.
In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Dallas Cowboys starting LBs and backup LBs are Tre'Von Johnson, Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, and Damien Wilson.
Who are the best linebackers in Dallas Cowboys history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Dallas Cowboys starting linebacker.
- 1
Lee Roy Jordan
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 1963-1976
Lee Roy Jordan, one of the greatest linebackers in Dallas Cowboys history, joined the team in 1963 as their first-round draft pick and played for 14 remarkable seasons. During his tenure, Jordan was a vital part of the iconic "Doomsday Defense" and helped lead the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl VI. Showcasing his phenomenal skill, Jordan earned five Pro Bowl selections and was eventually inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1989. Known for his exceptional ability to read plays and react quickly, Jordan's tenacity and intelligence on the field solidified his place as a Cowboys' legend.
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 2005-2013
As an electrifying force on the field, DeMarcus Ware secured his spot as one of the all-time great linebackers for the Dallas Cowboys when he joined the team as a first-round draft pick in 2005. Ware spent nine unforgettable seasons with the Cowboys, becoming one of the most feared pass rushers in the league during his time with the team. A testament to his extraordinary skills, Ware was selected to seven Pro Bowls and led the league in sacks twice while playing for Dallas. With his explosive speed and unparalleled work ethic, Ware left an indelible mark on the Cowboys' defense and remains a cherished figure among fans.
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 2010-2013, 2015-2020
When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Sean Lee in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, they knew they were acquiring a special talent – and he did not disappoint. Lee, who played his entire 11-year career with the Cowboys, became known for his high football IQ and incredible instincts on the field, leading the team's defense with aplomb. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Lee's unwavering dedication and leadership abilities allowed him to contribute in ways beyond personal statistics, including helping to develop the next generation of Cowboys linebackers. As a true embodiment of the "heart and soul" of the Cowboys' defense, Lee's passionate playing style will be celebrated for years to come.
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 1968-1981
Undrafted out of college, D. D. Lewis overcame the odds and ultimately earned his place among the greatest Dallas Cowboys linebackers in history. Joining the team in 1968, Lewis spent his entire 13-year career with the Cowboys and was an instrumental figure during their rise to prominence in the 1970s. A two-time Super Bowl champion and a talented coverage linebacker, Lewis recorded many impressive achievements throughout his career, including scoring a touchdown on a blocked punt return in Super Bowl XII. With his relentless determination and exceptional athleticism, Lewis remains a beloved figure in Cowboys lore.
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 1988-1993
A cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys linebacking corps during their dominant era in the early 1990s, Ken Norton, Jr. was an invaluable asset on the field. Drafted in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, Norton spent six phenomenal seasons with the Cowboys and played a crucial role in securing back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1992 and 1993. Known for his fierce tackling and relentless pursuit of ball carriers, Norton's hard-hitting style complemented the team's aggressive defensive schemes. His legacy as a standout linebacker for the Cowboys is cemented by his outstanding performances and impact on the franchise's championship success.
Dallas Cowboys Seasons 1975-1984
As a central figure in the Dallas Cowboys' storied "Doomsday Defense" of the 1970s, Bob Breunig exemplified the qualities of a standout linebacker. Selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft, Breunig spent his entire 10-year career with the team and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1978 to 1980. As a highly intelligent player with keen instincts for anticipating opponents' moves, Breunig was key in helping the Cowboys maintain their defensive prowess throughout the late '70s and early '80s. Today, he is remembered as a valued member of the Cowboys' legendary defenses and a true icon of the franchise.
