Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 12)

Set Number: X16462 TK1 R4 F28

We countdown the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 12

We are at day 12 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 12.

He’s known by many names, Captain America, Captain Comeback, Roger the Dodger, but to many Cowboys fans he’s simply known as the greatest player in the team’s history. He wore 12 for Dallas and his name is Roger Staubach.

Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images

Roger Thomas Staubach was born February 5, 1942 and joined the Dallas Cowboys as a 27-year-old rookie in 1969. He didn’t take the starting role at quarterback until he was 30 years old in his third season in Dallas in 1971.

Roger Staubach ➡️ Butch Johnson for a 47-yard touchdown.

Watch the @dallascowboys Super Bowl XII victory for FREE on https://t.co/TAuzHhPGvH: https://t.co/03g5AKmZhK pic.twitter.com/fRv2mATBnK

— NFL (@NFL) May 11, 2020

Over the subsequent nine seasons, Staubach helmed one of the most formidable offenses in the history of the Cowboys, participating in six NFC championship games and securing victories in four of them, along with triumphs in two Super Bowls (Super Bowl VI and XII).

Highest career win pct since the merger
(min. 1500 pass attempts)

Patrick Mahomes .800
Tom Brady .754
Roger Staubach .743
LAMAR JACKSON .738
Joe Montana .713 pic.twitter.com/0eUGQtIjvI

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) March 7, 2023

Staubach’s capacity to evade pressure made him particularly formidable; he recorded 410 career rushes, accumulating 2,264 yards with an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry while scoring 20 touchdowns. He led the NFL in passing on four occasions and earned All-NFC honors five times, in addition to being selected for six Pro Bowls. Throughout his peak years with the Cowboys, Roger was renowned for his ability to execute crucial plays. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl VI and played a pivotal role in the offensive success during the defense-oriented Super Bowl XII victory.

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Staubach concluded his professional career following the 1979 season, achieving a passing rating of 83.4, which was the highest recorded by an NFL quarterback at that time. His career statistics reflect his success with 1,685 completions out of 2,958 passing attempts, resulting in a total of 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. His passing yardage remains the fourth highest in Dallas Cowboys history, while his touchdown count ranks fifth. Additionally, his 2,264 rushing yards are the most recorded by any quarterback in the franchise’s history.

Arguably the biggest draft steal the @dallascowboys have ever had. Roger Staubach was drafted 129 overall and delivered 2 Super Bowl rings to Big D pic.twitter.com/tQ7LuJ5oe3

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) April 23, 2020

Upon retiring, Staubach held the distinction of being a two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, four-time NFL passing leader, six-time Pro Bowl selection, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. He officially retired from football in 1980 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images