3 Players Who Deserve More Credit for the Cowboys' Dynasty in the 1990s

When most people reflect on the Dallas Cowboys' championship teams of the 1990s, the various Hall of Famers on the roster immediately come to mind. While players like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, and Michael Irvin were all crucial pieces of these Super Bowl-winning teams in 1992, 1993, and 1995, three unheralded Cowboys stand out as deserving of more praise for their contributions.

3. Jay Novacek

While not a household name, tight end Jay Novacek was prolific in his six years with Dallas. / Gin Ellis/Getty Images

Tight end Jay Novacek may not be a recognizable name for the average fan, but the tight end was a reliable receiving threat for Troy Aikman in his six years with the Cowboys. Novacek ranks 11th on Dallas's all-time receiving list with 3,576 yards and 22 touchdowns, with an additional six scores coming in the postseason. He was a Pro Bowler from 1991-1995 and was a First-Team All-Pro in 1992.

2. Darren Woodson

Defensive back Darren Woodson was a stalwart member of Dallas's defense throughout the 1990s. / Peter Brouillet/Getty Images

NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown may be Dallas' most notable defensive backs, but safety Darren Woodson was a perennial Pro Bowler throughout the 1990s and provided a stalwart presence in the secondary. Woodson was Dallas' most consistent defensive back, and was a technically-sound ball hawk who was key to the team's success on the other side of the ball.

1. Daryl Johnston

Daryl Johnston was an effective lead blocker for Emmitt Smith throughout his time with the Cowboys. / Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

The fullback position will always be underappreciated, but Daryl Johnston is among the NFL's all-time best at the position. Johnston's blocking contributions helped Emmitt Smith become the NFL's all-time leading rusher, but his lack of rushing and receiving opportunities has made him a forgotten man on Dallas' Super Bowl rosters.