Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

45. Don Meredith

Selected in the third round by the Chicago Bears in the 1960 NFL Draft out of SMU but traded to the expansion Dallas Cowboys, Don Meredith became the franchise’s first star quarterback, signing a personal services contract before the team even existed.

Over nine seasons with the Cowboys from 1960 to 1968, Meredith spent his first two years backing up Eddie LeBaron before taking over as starter in 1963. He transformed the struggling team, leading them to their first winning season in 1966 with career-highs of 2,805 yards and 24 touchdowns.

That year, Dallas reached the NFL Championship Game, falling 34-27 to the Green Bay Packers after a late interception. In 1967, he guided them back to the title game—the infamous “ Ice

See Full Page