Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 55)

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We countdown the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 55

We are at day 55 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 55.

There are plenty of memorable players that have worn 55 for the Dallas Cowboys. One of them is Robert Jones.

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Robert Lee Jones entered the world on September 27, 1969, and was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft. During his rookie year, Jones assumed the role of the team’s MIKE linebacker, while Ken Norton Jr. played on the outside. He earned NFC Rookie of the Year and secured a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team. Jones concluded his rookie season as the second-highest tackler on the team with 108 tackles, contributing to a defense that allowed only 243 points, the fifth-lowest in the NFL. With Jones as the starting middle linebacker, the Cowboys triumphed in Super Bowl XXVII.

Ken Norton became the starting middle linebacker in 1993, taking over for Jones after the first quarter of the season. Jones managed to accumulate 36 tackles and two tackles for loss. In 1994, he reclaimed the starting position at middle linebacker following Norton’s departure in free agency. Jones experienced a standout year, recording 118 tackles, leading the team, while adding four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. Then in 1995, he ranked fourth on the team with 72 tackles, despite being sidelined for the last three games due to injury.

In 1996, Jones entered free agency despite his important role on the Cowboys defense, eventually signing with the St. Louis Rams. He played a significant part for the Cowboys during their height of the 1990’s helping to secure victory in Super Bowl XXVII, Super Bowl XXVIII, and Super Bowl XXX. During his time in the NFL, Jones played in 151 games and made 974 tackles. His oldest son, Cayleb Jones, entered the NFL as an undrafted player in 2016 and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, finding a spot on their practice squad. His second son, Zay Jones, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and is currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

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Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (10 days to go).