Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 88)

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We countdown the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 88.

We are at day 88 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 88.

The number 88 holds a significant status in Dallas and continues to be revered today. Out of the 12 individuals who have donned this number, seven were initially selected by Dallas during the draft. Among these players, four have achieved the esteemed recognition of being named All-Pro and Pro Bowl participants. Additionally, four of them have emerged as leading receivers in the league, while two have proudly earned Super Bowl rings and secured their place in the Hall of Fame. Undoubtedly, the number 88 holds an exclusive and illustrious legacy.

"People say, 'Well it's just a number, it doesn't mean anything.' But not the 88."

The No. 8️⃣8️⃣ jersey is special for the Cowboys' organization. pic.twitter.com/T1Bcga2RGK

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 27, 2022

The initial 88 jersey was first worn back in 1961 by linebacker Sonny Davis, shortly after the team’s establishment. However, Davis only played two games for Dallas before the number remained unused for four years. The number 88 gained real significance when Ron Sellers donned it in 1972, making an impressive 31 receptions for 653 yards and five touchdowns during his one-year stint with Dallas. This was just the beginning of what was to come.

Former #Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin on @JimmyKimmelLive talking about the legacy of No. 88 and why he never wants the number retired.

Irvin is truly 1-of-1 and so is the brotherhood of 88 #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/DqjTOqHp5O

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) November 30, 2023

Drew Pearson is widely regarded as the first true 88 for the Dallas Cowboys by fans. Not only did he excel as one of the greatest 88’s for the team, but he also established the prestigious “88-club” tradition in Dallas. Pearson, who is now a Hall of Famer, led the league in receiving yards in 1977, earned three Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors, and contributed to the team’s victory in Super Bowl XII. After an impressive 11-year career with the Cowboys, Pearson retired in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of 7,822 receiving yards, which still ranks as the fourth-highest among Cowboys receivers.

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The most significant and influential 88 in Cowboys history, according to many, was better known as “The Playmaker”. Michael Irvin was part of the legendary “Triplets” during the Cowboys’ dominant era in the 1990s. Irvin achieved remarkable success with five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, three Super Bowl victories, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. In 1991, he led the league in receiving yards and held numerous franchise receiving records. Although Jason Witten surpassed his 11,904 receiving yards for Dallas, Irvin still holds the third-highest average of 74.9 receiving yards per game.

Photo by Albert Dickson/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images

Dez Bryant was a highly productive receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, but he also made a significant impact on and off the field with his vocal presence and undeniable passion for the game. Bryant holds the distinction of being the first number 88 to score a receiving touchdown, punt return touchdown, and even throw for a passing touchdown. Throughout his career, he earned three Pro Bowl appearances and was named All-Pro in 2014, the same year he led the league in receiving touchdowns. Despite being released by the Cowboys in 2018 due to a decline in production, Bryant found a new home with the New Orleans Saints but unfortunately succumbed to an Achilles injury and never played. His 73 touchdowns still stands as the franchise record for Dallas, and his 531 receptions rank as the third-most in team history.

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Dallas now boasts the talented CeeDee Lamb wearing the iconic number 88. His unexpected selection in the first round of the draft continued the esteemed tradition of this revered number. Initially, doubts lingered regarding Lamb’s ability to be a true WR1 in the league. However, he silenced the skeptics last year by dominating the field, leading the NFL in receptions, and surpassing Michael Irvin’s franchise single-season record. Lamb’s exceptional performance has earned him three Pro Bowl appearances and a prestigious All-Pro honor. Notably, his 92-yard reception stands as the longest of the 2023 season and the second-longest receiving touchdown in Cowboys history. Thus far, Lamb has done justice to the number 88, but the burning question remains - can he secure a Lombardi trophy alongside his impressive list of accolades? Every fan fervently hopes for this outcome more than ever.