Past / Present Blog

Past / Present Blog

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While the Cowboys are never short on current superstars, their legacy was built on legends, many of which have long retired from the game. Still, former Cowboys players and coaches constantly garner headlines, which will be captured in the ongoing "Past/Present Blog." Here are some of the latest news that have come from some members of the Cowboys' alumni.

Larry Lacewell, the Cowboys' longtime Director of College and Pro Scouting, passed away Wednesday. He was 85.

Lacewell began work with the Cowboys in 1992, serving as the Director of College Scouting. In 1994, he was named Director of College and Pro Scouting, a position he held until 2005.

His tenure in Dallas, where he contributed to all three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s, was just one stop of an amazing football career. Following a four-year playing career at Arkansas State, he went on to a 32-year coaching career, highlighted by two national championships as an assistant at Oklahoma and a decade as the head coach at his alma mater.

From there, he also served as Arkansas State's athletic director from 1979-1990. He is commemorated in the school's Ring of Honor, as well as the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

-David Helman

Past/Present Blog presented by John Deere

While the Cowboys are never short on current superstars, their legacy was built on legends, many of which have long retired from the game. Still, former Cowboys players and coaches constantly garner headlines, which will be captured in the ongoing "Past & Present Blog." Here are some of the latest news items that have come from some members of the Cowboys' alumni.
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Dallas Cowboys Staff Writers

Jason Garrett Moves To Broadcasting Former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett will serve as an analyst for NBC's coverage of the inaugural USFL season that kicks off later this month, NBC Sports announced Tuesday. Garrett, former Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan and former fullback/NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson will be analysts for NBC. Garrett did a little broadcasting for Fox and NFL Europe before he retired from playing and transitioned to coaching in 2005. He served as Cowboys offensive coordinator from 2007 through the middle of the 2010 season, when he replaced Wade Phillips as interim head coach. He became permanent head coach in 2011 and held the job through the 2019 season. Most recently he was the Giants' offensive coordinator from 2020-21. -Rob Phillips
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Jason Garrett Moves To Broadcasting

Former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett will serve as an analyst for NBC's coverage of the inaugural USFL season that kicks off later this month, NBC Sports announced Tuesday.

Garrett, former Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan and former fullback/NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson will be analysts for NBC.

Garrett did a little broadcasting for Fox and NFL Europe before he retired from playing and transitioned to coaching in 2005. He served as Cowboys offensive coordinator from 2007 through the middle of the 2010 season, when he replaced Wade Phillips as interim head coach. He became permanent head coach in 2011 and held the job through the 2019 season. Most recently he was the Giants' offensive coordinator from 2020-21.

-Rob Phillips

Larry Lacewell, the Cowboys' longtime Director of College and Pro Scouting, passed away Wednesday. He was 85. Lacewell began work with the Cowboys in 1992, serving as the Director of College Scouting. In 1994, he was named Director of College and Pro Scouting, a position he held until 2005. His tenure in Dallas, where he contributed to all three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s, was just one stop of an amazing football career. Following a four-year playing career at Arkansas State, he went on to a 32-year coaching career, highlighted by two national championships as an assistant at Oklahoma and a decade as the head coach at his alma mater. From there, he also served as Arkansas State's athletic director from 1979-1990. He is commemorated in the school's Ring of Honor, as well as the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. -David Helman
2 / 18

Larry Lacewell, the Cowboys' longtime Director of College and Pro Scouting, passed away Wednesday. He was 85.

Lacewell began work with the Cowboys in 1992, serving as the Director of College Scouting. In 1994, he was named Director of College and Pro Scouting, a position he held until 2005.

His tenure in Dallas, where he contributed to all three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s, was just one stop of an amazing football career. Following a four-year playing career at Arkansas State, he went on to a 32-year coaching career, highlighted by two national championships as an assistant at Oklahoma and a decade as the head coach at his alma mater.

From there, he also served as Arkansas State's athletic director from 1979-1990. He is commemorated in the school's Ring of Honor, as well as the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

-David Helman

Andy Dalton Signs With Saints After spending his first nine years of his career in Cincinnati, Andy Dalton is turning into a journeyman. Dalton is now signing with the Saints, his third new team in three years. After leaving the Bengals in 2020, Dalton signed a one-year deal in Dallas, where he started nine games when Dak Prescott was injured. Dalton was able to join the Bears last year, starting six games while rookie Justin Fields was adjusting to the game. And now Dalton is signing with the Saints, who are expected to use Jameis Winston as the starter. Dalton is likely to be the backup to Winston as the Saints announced Tuesday that versatile standout Taysom Hill will be used primarily as a tight end. With the Cowboys in 2020, Dalton went 4-5 as a starter and threw 14 touchdowns to eight interceptions. -Nick Eatman
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Andy Dalton Signs With Saints

After spending his first nine years of his career in Cincinnati, Andy Dalton is turning into a journeyman.

Dalton is now signing with the Saints, his third new team in three years.

After leaving the Bengals in 2020, Dalton signed a one-year deal in Dallas, where he started nine games when Dak Prescott was injured. Dalton was able to join the Bears last year, starting six games while rookie Justin Fields was adjusting to the game.

And now Dalton is signing with the Saints, who are expected to use Jameis Winston as the starter. Dalton is likely to be the backup to Winston as the Saints announced Tuesday that versatile standout Taysom Hill will be used primarily as a tight end.

With the Cowboys in 2020, Dalton went 4-5 as a starter and threw 14 touchdowns to eight interceptions.

-Nick Eatman

Greg Zuerlein Signs With Jets Former Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein has officially signed with the New York Jets, closing the door on his return to the team this offseason. The Cowboys released Zuerlein earlier this month after a two-year stint with the team. The move saved the team $2.5 million on the cap but there were internal discussions about bringing back the veteran at a lower cost. In fact, the Cowboys made an offer to Zuerlein, who has decided to sign with the Jets. That leaves the Cowboys with first-year vet Chris Naggar as the only kicker on the roster. Naggar, who played at SMU, has only played one NFL game in his career with the Browns. It's likely the Cowboys will either add a veteran this offseason, draft a kicker next month, or maybe even both. Zuerlein led the NFL in missed extra points last year with six, but he also made his share of clutch kicks, including a game-winner to beat the Chargers and two end-of-regulation kicks to force overtime. -Nick Eatman
4 / 18

Greg Zuerlein Signs With Jets

Former Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein has officially signed with the New York Jets, closing the door on his return to the team this offseason.

The Cowboys released Zuerlein earlier this month after a two-year stint with the team. The move saved the team $2.5 million on the cap but there were internal discussions about bringing back the veteran at a lower cost. In fact, the Cowboys made an offer to Zuerlein, who has decided to sign with the Jets.

That leaves the Cowboys with first-year vet Chris Naggar as the only kicker on the roster. Naggar, who played at SMU, has only played one NFL game in his career with the Browns. It's likely the Cowboys will either add a veteran this offseason, draft a kicker next month, or maybe even both.

Zuerlein led the NFL in missed extra points last year with six, but he also made his share of clutch kicks, including a game-winner to beat the Chargers and two end-of-regulation kicks to force overtime.

-Nick Eatman

La'el Collins Signs With Bengals La'el Collins will be protecting Joe Burrow in the pocket next season. The Bengals announced that Collins signed a three-year with Cincinnati on Sunday, just three days after the Cowboys released the veteran right tackle with a post-June 1 designation, saving about $10 million in 2022 salary cap space. The deal makes sense for the Bengals, who are looking to upgrade their offensive line after allowing 70 sacks on Burrow last season, third most in NFL history. Terence Steele is the likely starter at right tackle in Dallas after splitting starts with Collins last season. -Rob Phillips
5 / 18

La'el Collins Signs With Bengals

La'el Collins will be protecting Joe Burrow in the pocket next season.

The Bengals announced that Collins signed a three-year with Cincinnati on Sunday, just three days after the Cowboys released the veteran right tackle with a post-June 1 designation, saving about $10 million in 2022 salary cap space.

The deal makes sense for the Bengals, who are looking to upgrade their offensive line after allowing 70 sacks on Burrow last season, third most in NFL history.

Terence Steele is the likely starter at right tackle in Dallas after splitting starts with Collins last season.

-Rob Phillips

Cowboys legend Troy Aikman and his longtime broadcast partner Joe Buck are moving from Fox to Monday Night Football on new multi-year contracts, ESPN officially announced Wednesday. Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has been a fixture at Fox working alongside Buck since retiring from the Cowboys after the 2000 season. The new MNF lineup features Aikman, Buck, sideline reporter Lisa Salters and rules analyst John Parry. -Rob Phillips
6 / 18

Cowboys legend Troy Aikman and his longtime broadcast partner Joe Buck are moving from Fox to Monday Night Football on new multi-year contracts, ESPN officially announced Wednesday.

Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has been a fixture at Fox working alongside Buck since retiring from the Cowboys after the 2000 season.

The new MNF lineup features Aikman, Buck, sideline reporter Lisa Salters and rules analyst John Parry.

-Rob Phillips

Wes Phillips Named Vikings OC Former Cowboys assistant coach Wes Phillips has been named offensive coordinator for the Vikings. Phillips, who spent seven years on the Cowboys' staff from 2007-13 in various roles, recently helped the Rams win a Super Bowl as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach. In Dallas, Phillips was hired by his father, Wade Phillips, who took over as the head coach in 2017. Wes Phillips held titles from quality control coach to assistant offensive line to eventually the tight ends coach. He later spent four years in Washington where he crossed paths with Kevin O'Connell, who is the new Minnesota head coach.
7 / 18

Wes Phillips Named Vikings OC

Former Cowboys assistant coach Wes Phillips has been named offensive coordinator for the Vikings.

Phillips, who spent seven years on the Cowboys' staff from 2007-13 in various roles, recently helped the Rams win a Super Bowl as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.

In Dallas, Phillips was hired by his father, Wade Phillips, who took over as the head coach in 2017. Wes Phillips held titles from quality control coach to assistant offensive line to eventually the tight ends coach.

He later spent four years in Washington where he crossed paths with Kevin O'Connell, who is the new Minnesota head coach.

Hitchens Cut By Kansas City Former Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who was a key member of the Chiefs squad that went to four straight AFC Championship Games, was released in a cost-cutting move this week. Hitchens, a fourth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2014, played his first four years in Dallas, where he immediately took over as a starting inside linebacker. The Cowboys opted not to pay Hitchens, who signed a five-year, $45 million deal in 2018. Kansas City decided to release him with one season remaining on the deal. Hitchens, who turns 30 in June, started all 59 games he played for the Chiefs. He was credited with 135 tackles in 2018, his first season with Kansas City.
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Hitchens Cut By Kansas City

Former Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who was a key member of the Chiefs squad that went to four straight AFC Championship Games, was released in a cost-cutting move this week.

Hitchens, a fourth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2014, played his first four years in Dallas, where he immediately took over as a starting inside linebacker.

The Cowboys opted not to pay Hitchens, who signed a five-year, $45 million deal in 2018. Kansas City decided to release him with one season remaining on the deal.

Hitchens, who turns 30 in June, started all 59 games he played for the Chiefs. He was credited with 135 tackles in 2018, his first season with Kansas City.

Witten Presents His Annual Award Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was back at The Star in Frisco this week to present his annual leadership award to deserving college athletes. This year, Kentucky DE Joshua Paschal won the 5th annual Jason Witten Award. He was honored at a banquet Thursday night, that not only included Witten, but honorary guests DeMarcus Ware, DeMarco Murray and Darren Woodson. Paschal was one of the three finalists, along with Arkansas' Grant Morgan and Patrick Fields of Oklahoma. "I'm so proud of all these guys," Witten said before the banquet. "Just how mature they are and what they've become not only as players, but as leaders." Paschal joins a list of winners that includes Shaquem Griffin (UCF), D'Cota Dixon (Wisconsin), Trey Smith (Tennessee) and Sam Ehlinger (Texas). The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 17-year pro career, which featured 16 seasons with the Cowboys. -Nick Eatman
9 / 18

Witten Presents His Annual Award

Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was back at The Star in Frisco this week to present his annual leadership award to deserving college athletes.

This year, Kentucky DE Joshua Paschal won the 5th annual Jason Witten Award. He was honored at a banquet Thursday night, that not only included Witten, but honorary guests DeMarcus Ware, DeMarco Murray and Darren Woodson.

Paschal was one of the three finalists, along with Arkansas' Grant Morgan and Patrick Fields of Oklahoma.

"I'm so proud of all these guys," Witten said before the banquet. "Just how mature they are and what they've become not only as players, but as leaders."

Paschal joins a list of winners that includes Shaquem Griffin (UCF), D'Cota Dixon (Wisconsin), Trey Smith (Tennessee) and Sam Ehlinger (Texas).

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 17-year pro career, which featured 16 seasons with the Cowboys.

-Nick Eatman

Rich Bisaccia Headed to Green Bay Packers Former Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia has found another gig – this time it's back in the NFC. Bisaccia, who served as the Raiders' interim head coach last year after taking over for Jon Gruden, helped guide Las Vegas into the playoffs. But after finishing the season with a 7-5 record, Bisaccia was not named head coach for the Raiders, who recently hired Josh McDaniels. Bisaccia is now expected to be hired as the special teams coach for the Packers. He's coached in the NFL for 20 years, including five in Dallas from 2013-2017 as the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach under Jason Garrett. The Cowboys and Packers will play each other in the 2022 regular season in Green Bay. -Nick Eatman
10 / 18

Rich Bisaccia Headed to Green Bay Packers

Former Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia has found another gig – this time it's back in the NFC.

Bisaccia, who served as the Raiders' interim head coach last year after taking over for Jon Gruden, helped guide Las Vegas into the playoffs. But after finishing the season with a 7-5 record, Bisaccia was not named head coach for the Raiders, who recently hired Josh McDaniels.

Bisaccia is now expected to be hired as the special teams coach for the Packers.

He's coached in the NFL for 20 years, including five in Dallas from 2013-2017 as the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach under Jason Garrett.

The Cowboys and Packers will play each other in the 2022 regular season in Green Bay.

-Nick Eatman

Newsome Gets NC Hall of Fame Former Cowboys running back Timmy Newsome will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in April. Newsome played his nine seasons in the NFL all with the Cowboys from 1980-88. Newsome was a versatile running back who played fullback and tailback alongside both Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker. He is a native of Ahoskie, North Carolina and starred at Winston-Salem State, where he ranks second on the school's all-time rushing list with 3,843 yards. -Nick Eatman
11 / 18

Newsome Gets NC Hall of Fame

Former Cowboys running back Timmy Newsome will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in April.

Newsome played his nine seasons in the NFL all with the Cowboys from 1980-88.

Newsome was a versatile running back who played fullback and tailback alongside both Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker.

He is a native of Ahoskie, North Carolina and starred at Winston-Salem State, where he ranks second on the school's all-time rushing list with 3,843 yards.

-Nick Eatman

Cowboys Ties Headed To Super Bowl Once again, the Cowboys – and their fans - will have to watch a Super Bowl from the sidelines. In what seems like an every-year occurrence, there will be some familiar faces in the game. Here's a look at some of the former coaches/players who will be playing in Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Cincinnati – Former Cowboys draft pick Chido Awuzie signed with the Bengals this offseason in free agency. He's a starter on the Cincy defense, wearing No. 20. Awuzie started 14 games, all three in the playoffs, and had a career-high two interceptions. The Bengals also have veteran offensive linemen Xavier Su'a-Filo on the practice squad. He started two years in Dallas (2018-19) and started a total of 12 games. Frank Pollack is the Bengals' O-line coach and running game coordinator. He spent five years coaching the Cowboys' offensive line from 2013-17. LA Rams – The Rams also have some ties to the Cowboys, especially on the coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis is in his second season with the Rams and his 24 overall in the NFL. He coached the Cowboys' special teams from 2009-13. Wes Phillips is the Rams' tight ends coach/passing game coordinator. Phillips, the son of former Cowboys head coach Wade Philips, spent seven years on the Cowboys' staff from 2007-13, including two full seasons after his dad was replaced as the head coach. Rams' assistant defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, spent two seasons with the Cowboys from 2008-09. As for current Rams players, only practice squad linebacker Anthony Hines III has ties to the Cowboys. Hines, who played at nearby Plano East and Texas A&M, went to training camp with the Cowboys in 2021 but was released before the start of the season. -Nick Eatman
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Cowboys Ties Headed To Super Bowl

Once again, the Cowboys – and their fans - will have to watch a Super Bowl from the sidelines.

In what seems like an every-year occurrence, there will be some familiar faces in the game.

Here's a look at some of the former coaches/players who will be playing in Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.

Cincinnati – Former Cowboys draft pick Chido Awuzie signed with the Bengals this offseason in free agency. He's a starter on the Cincy defense, wearing No. 20. Awuzie started 14 games, all three in the playoffs, and had a career-high two interceptions.

The Bengals also have veteran offensive linemen Xavier Su'a-Filo on the practice squad. He started two years in Dallas (2018-19) and started a total of 12 games.

Frank Pollack is the Bengals' O-line coach and running game coordinator. He spent five years coaching the Cowboys' offensive line from 2013-17.

LA Rams – The Rams also have some ties to the Cowboys, especially on the coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis is in his second season with the Rams and his 24 overall in the NFL. He coached the Cowboys' special teams from 2009-13.

Wes Phillips is the Rams' tight ends coach/passing game coordinator. Phillips, the son of former Cowboys head coach Wade Philips, spent seven years on the Cowboys' staff from 2007-13, including two full seasons after his dad was replaced as the head coach.

Rams' assistant defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, spent two seasons with the Cowboys from 2008-09.

As for current Rams players, only practice squad linebacker Anthony Hines III has ties to the Cowboys. Hines, who played at nearby Plano East and Texas A&M, went to training camp with the Cowboys in 2021 but was released before the start of the season.

-Nick Eatman

Matt Eberflus Lands Bears HC Job As it turned out, a former Cowboys defensive coordinator has been named the head coach of the Bears after all. For a while, it appeared Dan Quinn might end up coaching in Chicago, after not one but two interviews for the vacancy. Instead, the Bears have hired Matt Eberflus to take over. Eberflus has been the DC with the Colts since 2018, but before that, he coached seven seasons in Dallas as the linebackers coach and defensive passing game coordinator. Eberflus was on Jason Garrett's staff from 2011-2017. In Chicago, Eberflus takes over for Matt Nagy, who was fired after four seasons as the head coach (34-31 record). -Nick Eatman
13 / 18

Matt Eberflus Lands Bears HC Job

As it turned out, a former Cowboys defensive coordinator has been named the head coach of the Bears after all.

For a while, it appeared Dan Quinn might end up coaching in Chicago, after not one but two interviews for the vacancy. Instead, the Bears have hired Matt Eberflus to take over.

Eberflus has been the DC with the Colts since 2018, but before that, he coached seven seasons in Dallas as the linebackers coach and defensive passing game coordinator. Eberflus was on Jason Garrett's staff from 2011-2017.

In Chicago, Eberflus takes over for Matt Nagy, who was fired after four seasons as the head coach (34-31 record).

-Nick Eatman

Sean Payton Steps Away After 16 Seasons While there are several head coaching vacancies around the NFL, one of the more surprising developments occurred on Tuesday when Sean Payton announced he is stepping away from his head coaching position with the Saints. Payton, a former Cowboys assistant coach, is considered one of the NFL's most consistent head coaches over the last 15 seasons, which includes a Super Bowl title (2009 season) and nine playoff appearances. This past year, Payton and the Saints just missed the playoffs, finishing the year 9-8. In a press conference on Tuesday, Payton didn't want to use the word "retirement" and said he wasn't sure what the future holds, only to mention that coaching is "not where my heart is right now." Payton joined the Saints in 2006 after spending three seasons in Dallas under head coach Bill Parcells. Payton held various titles on the Cowboys' staff, including assistant head coach, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Payton, a former Eastern Illinois alum, is one of the big reasons Tony Romo decided to sign with the Cowboys following the 2003 draft. -Nick Eatman
14 / 18

Sean Payton Steps Away After 16 Seasons

While there are several head coaching vacancies around the NFL, one of the more surprising developments occurred on Tuesday when Sean Payton announced he is stepping away from his head coaching position with the Saints.

Payton, a former Cowboys assistant coach, is considered one of the NFL's most consistent head coaches over the last 15 seasons, which includes a Super Bowl title (2009 season) and nine playoff appearances. This past year, Payton and the Saints just missed the playoffs, finishing the year 9-8.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Payton didn't want to use the word "retirement" and said he wasn't sure what the future holds, only to mention that coaching is "not where my heart is right now."

Payton joined the Saints in 2006 after spending three seasons in Dallas under head coach Bill Parcells. Payton held various titles on the Cowboys' staff, including assistant head coach, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Payton, a former Eastern Illinois alum, is one of the big reasons Tony Romo decided to sign with the Cowboys following the 2003 draft.

-Nick Eatman

Roy Williams Named To College HOF Former Cowboys safety Roy Williams, who made five Pro Bowls in his seven seasons in Dallas, was honored at the College Football national championship on Monday night. Williams was among 18 new members inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for its 2022 Class. A standout at the University of Oklahoma, Williams was a dynamic college player, earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and first-team All-America honors. Williams was also a key member of Oklahoma's 2000 national championship team. He was drafted by the Cowboys No. 8 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft and eventually made five straight Pro Bowls from 2003-07. After eight seasons in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer was fired as the Vikings head coach, following an 8-9 season in 2021 in which his defense was ranked 31st in the NFL. Zimmer, who spent 13 years with the Cowboys, including seven seasons as the defensive coordinator from 2000-06, also coached in Atlanta and then Cincinnati before taking over in Minnesota. With the Vikings, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, with three trips to the playoffs. -Nick Eatman
15 / 18

Roy Williams Named To College HOF

Former Cowboys safety Roy Williams, who made five Pro Bowls in his seven seasons in Dallas, was honored at the College Football national championship on Monday night.

Williams was among 18 new members inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for its 2022 Class.

A standout at the University of Oklahoma, Williams was a dynamic college player, earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and first-team All-America honors. Williams was also a key member of Oklahoma's 2000 national championship team.

He was drafted by the Cowboys No. 8 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft and eventually made five straight Pro Bowls from 2003-07.

After eight seasons in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer was fired as the Vikings head coach, following an 8-9 season in 2021 in which his defense was ranked 31st in the NFL.

Zimmer, who spent 13 years with the Cowboys, including seven seasons as the defensive coordinator from 2000-06, also coached in Atlanta and then Cincinnati before taking over in Minnesota.

With the Vikings, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, with three trips to the playoffs.

-Nick Eatman

Vikings Fire HC Mike Zimmer After eight seasons in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer was fired as the Vikings head coach, following an 8-9 season in 2021 in which his defense was ranked 31st in the NFL. Zimmer, who spent 13 years with the Cowboys, including seven seasons as the defensive coordinator from 2000-06, also coached in Atlanta and then Cincinnati before taking over in Minnesota. With the Vikings, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, with three trips to the playoffs. -Nick Eatman
16 / 18

Vikings Fire HC Mike Zimmer

After eight seasons in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer was fired as the Vikings head coach, following an 8-9 season in 2021 in which his defense was ranked 31st in the NFL.

Zimmer, who spent 13 years with the Cowboys, including seven seasons as the defensive coordinator from 2000-06, also coached in Atlanta and then Cincinnati before taking over in Minnesota.

With the Vikings, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, with three trips to the playoffs.

-Nick Eatman

Former Cowboys Lineman Ralph Neely Dies Ralph Neely, one of the first great offensive linemen in team history, passed away this week at the age of 78. Neely, who wore No. 73, played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Cowboys. Playing from 1965-77, Neely played on five Super Bowl teams, including two championships. The Super Bowl XII win over the Broncos was the final game of Neely's career. From 1967-69, Neely earned three first-team All-Pro awards and he also made the Pro Bowl in 1967 and 1969. In 1970, after spending the first five years of his career at right tackle, Neely moved to the left side for the rest of his career. Neely ranks 11th Cowboys history with 168 games started. -Nick Eatman
17 / 18

Former Cowboys Lineman Ralph Neely Dies

Ralph Neely, one of the first great offensive linemen in team history, passed away this week at the age of 78.

Neely, who wore No. 73, played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Cowboys.

Playing from 1965-77, Neely played on five Super Bowl teams, including two championships.

The Super Bowl XII win over the Broncos was the final game of Neely's career.

From 1967-69, Neely earned three first-team All-Pro awards and he also made the Pro Bowl in 1967 and 1969. In 1970, after spending the first five years of his career at right tackle, Neely moved to the left side for the rest of his career.

Neely ranks 11th Cowboys history with 168 games started.

-Nick Eatman

Nate Newton Gets HOF Honors Former Cowboys guard Nate Newton has been voted to the Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022. Newton, Ben Coates, Donald Driver, John "Big Train" Moody, Sammy White, Roscoe Nance and William "Billy" Nicks are all part of the 2022 Class. Newton starred at Florida A&M in the early 1980s, becoming an All-MEAC conference selection. After two seasons in the USFL, he signed with the Cowboys in 1986 and emerged as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen, making six Pro Bowls in the 1990s as a key starter on all three Cowboys Super Bowl teams during the decade. The 2022 Class will be honored June 18 during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. -Rob Phillips
18 / 18

Nate Newton Gets HOF Honors

Former Cowboys guard Nate Newton has been voted to the Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022.

Newton, Ben Coates, Donald Driver, John "Big Train" Moody, Sammy White, Roscoe Nance and William "Billy" Nicks are all part of the 2022 Class.

Newton starred at Florida A&M in the early 1980s, becoming an All-MEAC conference selection. After two seasons in the USFL, he signed with the Cowboys in 1986 and emerged as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen, making six Pro Bowls in the 1990s as a key starter on all three Cowboys Super Bowl teams during the decade.

The 2022 Class will be honored June 18 during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

-Rob Phillips

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