Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 82)

We count down the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 82.

We are at day 82 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 82.

The most renowned figure who donned the iconic number 82 for Dallas is undoubtedly the exceptional Jason Witten. However, preceding Witten, there was the remarkable Frank Clarke who held numerous Cowboys records as the original owner of the number 82 jersey.

Clarke became a member of the Dallas team in 1960, joining them for their inaugural season following his selection in the NFL Expansion Draft. Over the course of eight years, he showcased his skills as a player for the Cowboys, achieving the remarkable feat of leading the league in receiving touchdowns in 1962. His exceptional performance also earned him the prestigious title of All-Pro in 1964.

This week in Cowboys history, the team choose 36 players from the pool made available by other NFL clubs. (The 1960 draft had already happened by the time the team was a franchise).
Frank Clarke, one of the players selected, was the 1st WR to reach 1,000 yds in club history. #TBT pic.twitter.com/22zVXGnx4Q

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) March 12, 2020

Clarke boasts an extensive list of franchise records, many of which remain unbroken to this day. Among these impressive achievements is his remarkable streak of seven consecutive games with a touchdown reception, a record that still stands as a Cowboys franchise record alongside Bob Hayes, Terrell Owens, and Dez Bryant.

The Dallas #Cowboys' first game in franchise history was played in #Seattle — a 16-10 exhibition loss to the 49ers before 22,000 fans at Husky Stadium. The game was part of the city's Seafair festival.

Eddie LeBaron hit Frank Clarke for the lone Dallas touchdown

August 6, 1960 pic.twitter.com/rzSFWGL5Vv

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) August 19, 2023

In 1962, Clarke made history as the first player in the team to surpass 1,000 all-purpose yards in a single season and establish a team record with 14 touchdowns. This record remained unbroken until 2007 when Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens surpassed it. His 14 touchdowns also earned him the league lead that year. Additionally, in 1964, his 65 receptions set a new franchise record.

The original 82, Frank Clarke, scoring against Pittsburgh and is considered the Cowboys first deep-threat receiver.#DallasCowboys #Cowboys #NFL pic.twitter.com/nDQxGoGLUD

— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) June 17, 2024

During his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Clarke amassed an impressive record of 5,214 yards, 281 catches, and 51 touchdowns over the course of eight years. However, his career came to an end following the team’s defeat to Green Bay in the 1967 NFL Championship Game, famously known as the “Ice Bowl.” Clarke’s contributions to the Cowboys did not go unnoticed as he is widely acknowledged as the first African-American star player in the franchise’s history. Furthermore, he made history off the field as well, becoming the first black sports anchor in Dallas and the first black NFL analyst for CBS.

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Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (37 days to go).