Bob Lilly

"Mr. Cowboy" and the Ultimate Defensive Force

When you think of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, one name stands out above the rest—Bob Lilly. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, 11-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL Champion, and the first-ever player drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Lilly was the foundation of America’s Team.

Nicknamed "Mr. Cowboy", Lilly was the dominant force in the trenches for Dallas from 1961 to 1974, pioneering the defensive tackle position with a combination of speed, strength, and relentless pursuit that made him nearly unstoppable. His ability to disrupt plays, collapse pockets, and chase down ball carriers set the gold standard for defensive linemen, influencing generations of players who followed.

Lilly’s impact wasn’t just physical—it was mental. He was a perfectionist, a player who demanded excellence from himself and his teammates. He led by example, embodying the work ethic and toughness that transformed the Cowboys from an expansion team into a dynasty. His dominance in Super Bowl VI, where he recorded the longest sack in Super Bowl history, is still one of the most iconic defensive plays of all time.

More than just a football player, Bob Lilly became the symbol of the Dallas Cowboys franchise, earning a place in the team’s Ring of Honor and forever being known as "Mr. Cowboy."

The Numbers Behind Lilly’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1980, first-ballot)
• Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl VI, 1971 season)
• Two-time NFC Champion (1970, 1971)
• 11-time Pro Bowler (1962-1973, most in Cowboys history at retirement)
• Seven-time First-Team All-Pro (1964-1969, 1971)
• NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams
• NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
• Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Inductee (1975, first-ever Cowboys inductee)
• Career Stats:
  • 94.5 career sacks (unofficial, before sacks were recorded)
  • 294 consecutive games started
  • 18 fumble recoveries
  • Longest sack in Super Bowl history (29-yard loss of Bob Griese in Super Bowl VI)

Lilly was the definition of durability and dominance, starting nearly every game for 14 seasons while anchoring one of the most feared defenses in NFL history.

The First Cowboy – From Texas to the Big Stage

Bob Lilly’s road to NFL greatness started in his home state of Texas, where he developed into a two-sport star in high school before heading to Texas Christian University (TCU).

• At TCU, Lilly became a two-time All-American defensive tackle, displaying explosive power and agility that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
• His dominance earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame and led to him being the first-ever draft pick in Dallas Cowboys history (1961, 13th overall).
• The Cowboys were a brand-new expansion team, struggling to find their identity—but with Lilly on the roster, they had their first true franchise cornerstone.

From the moment he put on the Dallas Cowboys star, Lilly was the team’s undisputed leader.

The Evolution of "Mr. Cowboy" – From Defensive End to Legendary Tackle

When Lilly arrived in Dallas, head coach Tom Landry first played him at defensive end, where he spent his first few seasons terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge.

• In 1964, Landry moved Lilly to defensive tackle, where he became the most dominant interior lineman of his era.
• As a defensive tackle, Lilly revolutionized the position by combining power and speed, showing that tackles could do more than just occupy blockers—they could be game-changers.
• He became the anchor of the Doomsday Defense, a unit that tormented offenses for over a decade.
• His ability to split double teams, collapse the pocket, and chase down running backs made him a once-in-a-generation defensive talent.

Lilly’s transition to defensive tackle turned the Cowboys into perennial contenders, setting the stage for Dallas' first Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl VI – The Crowning Achievement

Lilly’s defining moment came in Super Bowl VI, when the Dallas Cowboys crushed the Miami Dolphins 24-3 to win their first championship.

• The Cowboys' defense was suffocating, holding Miami to just 185 total yards and three points—the lowest in Super Bowl history at the time.
• Lilly had the signature play of the game, chasing down Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese for a 29-yard sack, the longest sack in Super Bowl history.
• His dominant presence in the trenches set the tone for a defensive performance that remains one of the greatest in Super Bowl history.

After years of playoff heartbreak, Lilly had finally led Dallas to the top, cementing his legacy as the Cowboys’ greatest defensive player.

Defining Moments of Lilly’s Career

• 1961 – The First-Ever Dallas Cowboy: The Cowboys' first draft pick, laying the foundation for the franchise.
• 1964 – Position Change That Made History: Moved to defensive tackle, where he became the most dominant lineman in football.
• 1966 – First Championship Game Appearance: Led the Cowboys to their first-ever NFL Championship Game, beginning the team's rise to prominence.
• 1970 – First Super Bowl Appearance: Helped Dallas reach Super Bowl V, though they lost in a close game to the Colts.
• 1971 – Super Bowl VI Champion: Dominated Miami in the Super Bowl, securing the first championship for Dallas.
• 1975 – First Member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor: Inducted as "Mr. Cowboy", setting the standard for greatness in Dallas.
• 1980 – Hall of Fame Induction: Became a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a recognition of his legendary career.

The Most Iconic Bob Lilly Football Cards

Lilly’s football cards are some of the most valuable and cherished in Cowboys history.

• 1963 Fleer #32 Bob Lilly Rookie Card – His first official card, a must-have for vintage collectors.
• 1966 Philadelphia #38 Bob Lilly – A classic mid-career card showing him as the dominant force of the Cowboys’ defense.
• 1971 Topps #1 Bob Lilly – Released in the year of his Super Bowl victory, one of the most iconic Cowboys cards ever.

For any Cowboys fan or serious collector, these cards represent the golden era of Dallas football.

A Legacy That Defined the Cowboys Franchise

Bob Lilly wasn’t just the greatest defensive player in Cowboys history—he was the player who set the standard for excellence in Dallas.

• He was the first superstar of the Cowboys, establishing the franchise as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
• His dominance at defensive tackle influenced future legends like "Mean" Joe Greene, Randy White, and Aaron Donald.
• His relentless work ethic, leadership, and desire to win became the identity of the Dallas Cowboys.

Even after his playing days ended, his name has remained synonymous with greatness. He became a renowned sports photographer, capturing the game he loved from a different perspective, but his heart always remained with the Cowboys.

"Mr. Cowboy" – The First Star of America's Team and One of the Greatest Defensive Players in NFL History.