(Editor's Note: From the home office in Irving, Texas, DallasCowboys.com has this week's top 10 list, a ranking of the best non-Pro Bowlers in team history as selected by the website writing staff - Nick Eatman, Rob Phillips and Josh Ellis. A new countdown will debut each Friday.)
Fifty-one years. Eighty-three Pro Bowlers.
It's an exclusive honor that hasn't been very elusive for the Dallas Cowboys since their 1960 inception. It's an indication of the individual talent and greatness that has fostered such collective success: 21 division titles, five Super Bowl titles and eight appearances.
That said, games and championships aren't won solely by stars. Pro football takes 53 players. This week's list is dedicated to the 10 (give or take) most impactful Cowboys who never made a Pro Bowl during their time in Dallas.
Candidates must have spent at least EIGHT years on the Cowboys' roster. Several players were deserving of honorable mention, including safety Michael Downs, long snapper Dale Hellestrae, defensive lineman Chad Hennings, wide receiver Butch Johnson and quarterback Craig Morton.
Preference was given to longevity, production and contributions to championship teams. Let's start with No. 10, where we had a tie at one particular position:
The Linebackers: Dave Edwards (1963-75), Bradie James (2003-present), D.D. Lewis (1970-81), Eugene Lockhart (1984-90)
At one time or another (James is still active), all four helped anchor the middle of the Cowboys' defense. Edwards (13-year starter), Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan formed the linebacker corps of \"Doomsday.\" Lewis played in five Super Bowls and served as a defensive captain. Between them, James and Lockhart have led Dallas in tackles 10 times.
