Memory Lane - 1976 Dallas Cowboys Preview

Head Coach Tom Landry (HOF) and the Cowboys were in a rebuilding year in 1974 and missed the playoffs snapping an eight year run. In 1975, the Cowboys had 14 rookies on a 43 man roster and made it to the Super Bowl. They haven’t won their division in two years are looking to recapture the NFC Eastern Division title.

The offense is expecting another good year behind the 1963 Heisman Trophy winner, QB Roger Staubach, who will be turning 34 years old. Ex-WFL’er QB/P Danny White will be Staubach’s backup as well as the punter. The RB position will be handled by committee, Preston Pearson, Doug Dennison, Robert Newhouse and Scott Laidlaw. The WR’s have a Hall of Famer in WR Drew Pearson, reliable pass catcher in BJ Dupree who is developing into a top TE and WR Golden Richards.

The defense is aging and could be a concern this year. LB Lee Roy Jordan is 35, CB Mel Renfro (HOF) is 34 but they have some youngster coming up, LB’s Randy White (HOF), Bob Breunig and DE Ed “Too Tall” Jones. In the secondary is FS Cliff Harris (HOF).

I was surprised to learn that Lee Roy Jordan, Harvey Martin and Ed Too Tall Jones (who in 1979 retired at 28 yrs old to become a pro boxer and unretired in 1980) are not in the Hall of Fame.

The 1976 Draft additions: DB Aaron Kyle, WR Butch Johnson, C Tom Rafferty (who recently passed away, June 5, 2025).

Cowboys 1975 Rankings:

Tot Yds Off: 3

Tot Yds Def: 5

Tot Pts Scored: 8

Tot Pts Against: 9

1975 Results:

1976 Opening Day Roster:

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