Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach

 

 

 

It was a debate that would rival CNN and President Trump, but not nearly as nasty – who is the all-time best Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

We at the Tyler Paper received hundreds of responses via email, Facebook, Twitter and even the old-fashion way, letters.

It was spirited but the winner is … Roger Staubach.

East Texans chose Roger the Dodger just as NFL Nation writers from ESPN.com. However, fans picked Troy Aikman on ESPN.com, although it was a tight vote.

The East Texas poll concluded: 1, Roger Staubach; 2, Troy Aikman; 3, Don Meredith; 4, Tony Romo; 5, Danny White.

There were some votes for 5-foot 7-inch Eddie LeBaron, the first quarterback in franchise history. LeBaron, who played at the College of the Pacific and with the Washington Redskins and Calgary Stampeders, started 10 of 12 games in 1960, with rookie Don Meredith and Don Heinrich starting the other two.

A couple of votes went to Craig Morton (understandable) and one to Clint Longley (????).

And there was another vote for Dak Prescott.

“I think this new kid is going to be better than any of the others,” wrote Jeff Stead, of Independence, Missouri.

Stead is also elated Patrick Mahomes II is going to be the Kansas City Chiefs QB of the future.

That would be fun for Mahomes and Prescott to meet in the Super Bowl.

The ESPN fan voting went this way: 1, Troy Aikman; 2, Roger Staubach; 3, Tony Romo; 4, Don Meredith; 5, Danny White.

ESPN.com writers of NFL Nation voted: 1, Roger Staubach; 2, Troy Aikman; 3, Tony Romo; 4, Danny White; 5, Don Meredith.

Each QB had their shining points – Aikman three Super Bowl wins in three tries; Staubach 2-2 in Super Bowl starts; Romo franchise passing leader in yardage and touchdowns; White led the team to three straight NFC championships with “The Catch” keeping him from Super Bowl glory; and Meredith, just as White, got the Cowboys oh so close, but not the ultimate prize.

But Captain America gets the edge over Aikman. Maybe Aikman could have the tag of Captain America, the Sequel.

My picks were: 1, Staubach; 2, Aikman; 3, Meredith; 4, White; 5, Romo.

 

Here are some of the responses:

Roger Staubach – Led the Cowboys to four Super Bowls still throwing into the end zone at the end of both losses to the Steelers. Bob Lilly was the greatest Cowboy ever. Staubach is second. Author of the “Hail Mary,” arguably the greatest play in Cowboy history. The rest in order: 2. Troy Aikman; 3. Dandy Don Meredith; 4. Tony Romo; 5. Craig Morton.

–Chad Chadwick

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Both are great (Staubach and Aikman) but Staubach gets my vote. I go back before Don Meredith, longtime follower of Dallas Cowboys.

–Wayne Pool

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I am going to differ with Phil Hicks however and put Tony Romo ahead of Danny White. IMHO (in my humble opinion).

–Donnie Clark

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I’m in the same boat as you Phil … Staubach, Aikman, Meredith, White, Romo.

–Greg Pederson

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Staubach, Aikman, Meredith, Romo, White.

Lajuanda Morrow

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Nice touch by Brady Land — 12, 17, 8, 11, 9.

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Staubach, Aikman, Meredith, Romo, White.

–Carol Bischoff Tabb

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Staubach, Aikman, Meredith, Romo, White.

That’s my order and I’m sticking to it.

John Gentry

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Angela Clemons had Land’s idea too, 12, 8 17, 9, 11.

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Rodger the Dodger Staubach – 12 is the GOAT of the Cowboys. What a crew he had back in the day with Calvin Hill, Walt Garrison, Drew Pearson, Golden Richards to name a few. Craig Morton set the tone for Roger. Troy Aikman – 8 is number 2. He had a great crew with Emmitt, Michael Irvin and some others. Then there’s Dandy Don Meredith – 17 number 3. Danny White – 11 and Tony Romo at number 5. Romo’s numbers are inflated with the pass happy league the NFL has become. Speaking of backs, let me not leave out Tony Dorsett.

–Reginald Williams

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Johnna Cantrell had a different order – Aikman, Staubach, Romo, Meredith, White.

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Bill Whatley added, “Aikman was the best passer. Staubach was the best quarterback.” His order: Staubach, Aikman, Meredith, Romo, White.

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Chris Frederick noted: “Meredith was the toughest and best athlete.”

 

If you would like to add to the conversation, email sports@tylerpaper.com.

 

TWITTER: @PhilHicksETFS