In the franchise's early years, the Cowboys were able to build one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, piece by piece. First, it was drafting Bob Lilly and acquiring Chuck Howley in 1961, followed by the welcoming of Cornell Green and George Andrie the next year. Then in the 1963 draft, the Cowboys added yet another key contributor, using the No. 6 overall pick on Lee Roy Jordan, an All-American at Alabama, coached by the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant.

As it turned out, Jordan's only two head coaches following high school proved to be Bryant and Tom Landry, who once called Jordan "a head coach of the defense."

Without a doubt, Jordan led by example, racking up 1,236 team-credited tackles during his time with Dallas, a record that held for 26 years after he retired until Darren Woodson broke the mark during the 2002 season.

A true student of football, Jordan not only spent hours upon hours watching game film, he once negotiated into his contract to have a projector at his home so he could study opponents while being with his family.

Although Jordan wasn't the prototype at linebacker, listed at 6-1 and a generous 220 pounds, he made up for his lack of size with his instincts and ability to get to the football. And it wasn't just getting there to make the tackle, but oftentimes to force a turnover as well.

Jordan's 32 career interceptions are not only the most by a Cowboys linebacker, he also ranks among league leaders in NFL history for picks at the position. He recorded three interceptions in one game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 4, 1973, returning one for a touchdown, and he had 16 career fumble recoveries, which is still tied for second in franchise history.

Earning a first-team All-Pro selection in 1969 and five Pro Bowl invites, Jordan played in three Super Bowls during his 14-year career, helping the Cowboys win their first-ever championship in the 1971 season.

In 1989, Jordan was enshrined in the Ring of Honor, becoming the first inductee by current owner Jerry Jones.