Rookie Tony Dorsett rips off franchise-best 206 yards
Editor's note: Each week, we'll take a look at classic moments in Texas Stadium history.
Dec. 4, 1977
Long before Emmitt Smith rewrote the Cowboys record book, Tony Dorsett authored the initial chapters. The dynamic rookie from Pittsburgh made a huge impact in 1977 as the Cowboys were marching toward Super Bowl XII.
Against the Eagles, Dorsett rushed for a franchise-record 206 yards on 23 carries. The biggest play of the game was an 84-yard touchdown run on a play dubbed "Eagle Special."
"He's just like he was when they drafted him, the best in the country," Eagles coach Dick Vermeil said.
Dorsett's record day stood atop the Cowboys single-game rushing list until Smith ran for 237 yards against the Eagles in 1993. Dorsett's day still ranks as the best rushing performance by a Cowboys' rookie.
"It was just a great play for me," Dorsett of the 84-yard run. "The blocking was super, better than ever. And it's always good to have a 200-yard day but it wouldn't mean a thing if we hadn't won. Not a thing."
Recent Headlines
- Honey, I got $25. Let's watch Texas Stadium implode
- The tweet's in: Jerry Jones to present Emmitt Smith at HOF
- Opening kickoff for March 12
- Company owned by Jerry Jones being sued for aiding alleged fraud
- Cowboys best/worst draft picks: Offensive linemen
- David Moore: Don't blame Terrell Owens for Martellus Bennett's maturity
- David Moore: New receiver probably not a Cowboys priority
- David Moore: Oshiomogho Atogwe is on Dallas Cowboys' radar
- Who would you choose to play Tom Landry in a movie?
- Six teams have inquired about Cowboys' Gerald Sensabaugh
