In case you didn't notice, during last Sunday's win over Carolina, the Cowboys had nine undrafted free agents take a least one snap on offense: Cooper Rush, Rico Dowdle, Terence Steele, Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass, KaVontae Turpin, Hunter Luepke, Brevyn Spann-Ford and Princeton Fant.
A remarkable number already, that's not even counting the others who saw action on defense and special teams.
But they're just the latest in a long line of undrafted free agents who have worn the Star in Dallas. In fact, the list is an impressive one that includes Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, Super Bowl winners and even Hall of Famers.
So to honor the team's current crop of undrafted guys (and perhaps provide a little more inspiration), let's take a look at some of the greatest players in the history of the Cowboys who somehow weren't drafted but still found undeniable success.
Let's take a look at some of the greatest players in the history of the Cowboys who somehow weren't drafted but still found undeniable success.
Benny Barnes • Defensive Back • Cowboys (1972-82)
Even though Barnes was undrafted out of Stanford, he enjoyed an 11-year career, all spent with the Cowboys. Originally an ace special teamer, he became a starter in Tom Landry's Doomsday Defense and helped Dallas reach three Super Bowls, winning a ring in 1977. Barnes led the club with five interceptions in 1978 and finished with 11 for his career.
Dan Reeves • Running Back • Cowboys (1965-72)
A three-year starter at quarterback for South Carolina, Reeves slipped through the draft and was signed by the Cowboys, who promptly moved him to running back. He finished seventh in MVP voting and was named second-team All-Pro in 1966 after leading the league in total touchdowns. Reeves later joined Tom Landry's coaching staff and eventually went on to become one of the winningest head coaches in NFL history.
Dan Bailey • Kicker • Cowboys (2011-17)
Signed out of Oklahoma State, Bailey had to win a four-way battle in training camp his rookie year, but in the end he got the job. Thank goodness. He was named to the All-Rookie Team after finishing fifth in the league in points scored (35). In fact, he would finish among the NFL's top 10 in points four more times with Dallas and earn a Pro Bowl invite in 2015.
Michael Downs • Safety • Cowboys (1981-89)
A Dallas native who starred at South Oak Cliff High School and then Rice, Downs may have been overlooked in the draft, but he went on to start 15 games during his rookie season of 1981. That year he recorded seven interceptions, an impressive total that was overshadowed by fellow rookie Everson Walls' 11. Downs went on to finish his career with 34 interceptions, which is tied for fifth in team history.
Brandon Aubrey • Kicker • Cowboys (2023-24)
Aubrey's professional sports career was supposed to be in soccer, and he did spend one season in the MLS. When that didn't work out, he turned his attention to kicking a football and wound up helping the Birmingham Stallions win the 2023 USFL title. Impressed, the Cowboys gave him a shot, only to see Aubrey earn Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first season.
KaVontae Turpin • Wide Receiver/Returner • Cowboys (2022-24)
Turpin's road to the NFL was unconventional, to say the least. After leaving TCU, he had stops in a number of leagues, including one in Europe. When he then shined in the USFL, though, he caught the Cowboys' attention, and since joining Dallas, he has become one of the game's premier returners. Turpin earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2022 and is currently leading the NFC ballot for returners this season.
Bill Bates • Safety • Cowboys (1983-97)
Although a safety on defense, what made Tennessee's Bates such a fan favorite was his standout special teams play. He was named the NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year as a rookie and then in 1984 won that award again plus the NFLPA's recognition. In addition, he was also named to the Pro Bowl that season, the first special teams player who was not a returner to be given that honor.
Dave Manders • Center • Cowboys (1964-74)
Both a center and a linebacker at Michigan State, the Cowboys signed Manders in 1962 to play defense, but he left the team during training camp. Two years later, he asked for another chance and was welcomed back to Dallas, this time to play offense. Manders then became the first Cowboys offensive lineman to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl (1966), and he was a part of the franchise's first Super Bowl win.
Miles Austin • Wide Receiver • Cowboys (2006-13)
Austin might have played at little-known Monmouth University but his 2,867 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns made the Cowboys think he could be a contributor. And they were right as Austin twice earned Pro Bowl honors after posting 1,000-yard seasons in both 2009 and 2010. He now ranks ninth in club history for both receiving yards (4,481) and touchdown catches (34).
Mark Tuinei • Offensive Tackle • Cowboys (1983-97)
Despite not being drafted, Tuinei eventually spent 15 seasons with the Cowboys, which is tied for the third-longest tenure in club record books. In addition, of his 195 games played, 147 were starts. A gentle giant, the lovable Tuinei was a force on the field, earning two trips back to his native Hawaii for the Pro Bowl while helping the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles.
Everson Walls • Cornerback • Cowboys (1981-89)
When he was coming out of Grambling, the so-called experts worried Walls didn't have the speed to play in the pros. So much for that. He burst onto the scene with 11 interceptions in his rookie year, still a league record, and he led the NFL in picks three times overall. Ranked second in team history with 44 career interceptions, Walls earned entry into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Cornell Green • Defensive Back • Cowboys (1962-74)
Green was an All-American basketball player at Utah State, but the Cowboys liked his athleticism enough to give him a try at defensive back. The move proved genius as Green was named a Pro Bowler five times and was twice tabbed an All-Pro. Tied for fifth in club history for interceptions with 34, many consider Green worthy of being in the team's Ring of Honor.
Nate Newton • Offensive Lineman • Cowboys (1986-98)
After a two-year stint in the USFL, the Florida A&M star was given a chance by the Cowboys and went on to anchor an offensive line that paved the way for the NFL's all-time rushing leader, Emmitt Smith. A three-time Super Bowl winner, Newton also earned six Pro Bowl honors and two All-Pro recognitions. He was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Tony Romo • Quarterback • Cowboys (2004-16)
Picked up as a developmental project out of Eastern Illinois, Romo went from almost being cut in 2004 to being the face of the franchise three years later. The gunslinger holds team records for career passing yards (34,183) and touchdown passes (248) while also earning four trips to the Pro Bowl during his 13 seasons with the Cowboys.
Cliff Harris • Safety • Cowboys (1970-79)
Discovered at tiny Ouachita Baptist University, Harris would eventually earn six Pro Bowl trips and three All-Pro nods while being included on the All-Decade Team for the 1970s. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2004 and was in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2020 class. The Cliff Harris Award is now given annually to the small college Defensive Player of the Year.
Drew Pearson • Wide Receiver • Cowboys (1973-83)
Pearson became one of the greatest receivers in team history even though he was passed over in the 1973 draft. The Tulsa product was both a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro three times and was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1970s. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2011 and finally earned his due with enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
