Sunday Poll: Who is Your Favorite Triplet?
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 13, 2010 11:37 AM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys History
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PrintThe Triplets. The famed trio of Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith will forever be celebrated for what they accomplished together as Dallas Cowboys.
Three Lombardi Trophies. Numerous league and team records broken. The glory returned to a storied franchise that, since the 1970s, had been begging for a return trip to the NFL's championship. Aikman, Irvin, and Smith did all they could for Dallas and more.
Now, I am going to ask you to make one of the toughest football choices you've ever made on a Sunday Poll: Choose your favorite Triplet. But before you do, let's run through the wonderful memories we Cowboys fans have of the 1990s.
Quarterback 1989-2000
Six Straight Pro Bowl Appearances
Troy Aikman, the quarterback with the most wins (90) of the 1990s --of any decade, for that matter--is remembered best by his accuracy and his toughness. His arm led the turnaround that took a 1-15 Cowboys team his rookie year in '89 to one of the greatest dynasties in pro football.
By the time of his retirement in 2000, Aikman finished his career by completing 61.5% of his passes for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns. Aikman, though, was not known as a player who put up gaudy numbers. He was known and appreciated for excelling with the one intangible that every NFL quarterback must have: leadership.
Today, Aikman is still very much affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas area, serving as the vice-chair on the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.
|
Passing
|
Rushing
|
||||||||||||
| Year | Team |
G
|
Att
|
Comp
|
Yards
|
TDs
|
Int
|
Rating
|
No.
|
Yds.
|
Avg.
|
TD
|
F
|
| 1989 | Dallas |
11
|
293
|
155
|
1749
|
9
|
18
|
55.7
|
38
|
302
|
7.9
|
0
|
6
|
| 1990 | Dallas |
15
|
399
|
226
|
2579
|
11
|
18
|
66.6
|
40
|
172
|
4.3
|
1
|
5
|
| 1991 | Dallas |
12
|
363
|
237
|
2754
|
11
|
10
|
86.7
|
16
|
5
|
0.3
|
1
|
4
|
| 1992 | Dallas |
16
|
473
|
302
|
3445
|
23
|
14
|
89.5
|
37
|
105
|
2.8
|
1
|
4
|
| 1993 | Dallas |
14
|
392
|
271
|
3100
|
15
|
6
|
99
|
32
|
125
|
3.9
|
0
|
7
|
| 1994 | Dallas |
14
|
361
|
233
|
2676
|
13
|
12
|
84.9
|
30
|
62
|
2.1
|
1
|
2
|
| 1995 | Dallas |
16
|
432
|
280
|
3304
|
16
|
7
|
93.6
|
21
|
32
|
1.5
|
1
|
5
|
| 1996 | Dallas |
15
|
465
|
296
|
3126
|
12
|
13
|
80.1
|
35
|
42
|
1.2
|
1
|
6
|
| 1997 | Dallas |
16
|
518
|
292
|
3283
|
19
|
12
|
78
|
25
|
79
|
3.2
|
0
|
6
|
| 1998 | Dallas |
11
|
315
|
187
|
2330
|
12
|
5
|
88.5
|
22
|
69
|
3.1
|
2
|
3
|
| 1999 | Dallas |
14
|
442
|
263
|
2964
|
17
|
12
|
81.1
|
21
|
10
|
0.5
|
1
|
8
|
| 2000 | Dallas |
11
|
262
|
156
|
1632
|
7
|
14
|
64.3
|
10
|
13
|
1.3
|
0
|
2
|
| Career Totals |
165
|
4,715
|
2,898
|
32,942
|
165
|
141
|
81.6
|
327
|
1,016
|
3.1
|
9
|
58
|
|
| Additional Career Statistics: Receiving: 2-(-19) | |||||||||||||
Wide Receiver 1988-1999
Five Pro Bowl Appearances
Michael Irvin, owner of 20 Cowboys receiving records, is remembered best by his competitive bravado and his ability to live up to his moniker and make plays. It is widely believed that Irvin was the hardest working member of the Dallas teams in the 1990s. Teammates said he never took a play off--neither in games nor in practice.
Irvin was a clutch receiver for Aikman and the Cowboys, finishing his career with 750 catches for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.
Today, Irvin maintains his connection with the Cowboys and often makes his presence known to young wide receivers during training camp. He also gave one of the most memorable Hall of Fame induction speeches ever: "Look up, get up, and don't ever give up."
|
Receiving
|
||||||
| Year | Team |
G
|
No.
|
Yds.
|
Avg.
|
TD
|
| 1988 | Dallas |
14
|
32
|
654
|
20. 4
|
5
|
| 1989 | Dallas |
6
|
26
|
378
|
14. 5
|
2
|
| 1990 | Dallas |
12
|
20
|
413
|
20. 7
|
5
|
| 1991 | Dallas |
16
|
93
|
1523
|
16. 4
|
8
|
| 1992 | Dallas |
16
|
78
|
1396
|
17. 9
|
7
|
| 1993 | Dallas |
16
|
88
|
1330
|
15. 1
|
7
|
| 1994 | Dallas |
16
|
79
|
1241
|
15. 7
|
6
|
| 1995 | Dallas |
16
|
111
|
1603
|
14. 4
|
10
|
| 1996 | Dallas |
11
|
64
|
962
|
15. 0
|
2
|
| 1997 | Dallas |
16
|
75
|
1180
|
15. 7
|
9
|
| 1998 | Dallas |
16
|
74
|
1057
|
14. 3
|
1
|
| 1999 | Dallas |
4
|
10
|
167
|
16. 7
|
3
|
| Career Total |
159
|
750
|
11,904
|
15. 9
|
65
|
|
| Additional Career Statistics: Rushing: 6-6; Two-Point Conversions: 1 | ||||||
Running Back 1990-2002
Eight Pro Bowls
Last week, BTB members debated whether any running back could ever replicate what Emmitt Smith accomplished during his career. For many reasons, it's hard to imagine one doing so.
Smith is remembered for his heart. He led by example and repeatedly put all on the line for the team. On many memorable drives, he was the Cowboys offense. The four-time NFL single-season rushing champion is the first player to run for more than 1,000 years 11 seasons in a row. His 18,355 rushing yards is one of many career highlights that also include the Super Bowl XXVIII MVP and league MVP honors for the 1993 season.
Today, Smith remains a charitable figure in the Dallas area and is preparing to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 7.
| Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
| Year | Team | G | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD |
| 1990 | Dallas | 16 | 241 | 937 | 3.9 | 11 | 24 | 228 | 9.5 | 0 |
| 1991 | Dallas | 16 | 365 | 1563 | 4.3 | 12 | 49 | 258 | 5.3 | 1 |
| 1992 | Dallas | 16 | 373 | 1713 | 4.6 | 18 | 59 | 335 | 5.7 | 1 |
| 1993 | Dallas | 14 | 283 | 1486 | 5.3 | 9 | 57 | 414 | 7.3 | 1 |
| 1994 | Dallas | 15 | 368 | 1484 | 4.0 | 21 | 50 | 341 | 6.8 | 1 |
| 1995 | Dallas | 16 | 377 | 1773 | 4.7 | 25 | 62 | 375 | 6.0 | 0 |
| 1996 | Dallas | 15 | 327 | 1204 | 3.7 | 12 | 47 | 249 | 5.3 | 3 |
| 1997 | Dallas | 16 | 261 | 1074 | 4.1 | 4 | 40 | 234 | 5.9 | 0 |
| 1998 | Dallas | 16 | 319 | 1332 | 4.2 | 13 | 27 | 175 | 6.5 | 2 |
| 1999 | Dallas | 15 | 329 | 1397 | 4.2 | 11 | 27 | 119 | 4.4 | 2 |
| 2000 | Dallas | 16 | 294 | 1203 | 4.1 | 9 | 11 | 79 | 7.2 | 0 |
| 2001 | Dallas | 14 | 261 | 1021 | 3.9 | 3 | 17 | 116 | 6.8 | 0 |
| 2002 | Dallas | 16 | 254 | 975 | 3.8 | 5 | 16 | 89 | 5.6 | 0 |
| 2003 | Arizona | 10 | 90 | 256 | 2.8 | 2 | 14 | 107 | 7.6 | 0 |
| 2004 | Arizona | 15 | 267 | 937 | 3.5 | 9 | 15 | 105 | 7.0 | 0 |
| Career Total | 226 | 4,409 | 18,355 | 4.2 | 164 | 515 | 3224 | 6.3 | 11 | |
| Additional Career Statistics: Passing: 1-1-21, 1 TD; Two-Point Conversions: 1 | ||||||||||
Full Name: Emmitt James Smith, III
It's only natural to change your mind a couple of times before making that ultimate vote. Just take a deep breath, commit to one, and defend your choice with statistical analysis, unwavering devotion, persuasive anecdotes, or whatever you tend to use best in these comment boards.
No tricks, buts, or what-ifs here. No conditionals whatsoever. Just, of the Triplets, who is your favorite?
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Comments
BTW
Look at Irvin’s first season, before he tore his ACL … 20 yards per catch …
I don’t know if everyone remembers. Irvin tore the ACL in his right knee in 1989. In 1989 ACL reconstructions were a major surgery (they couldn’t be done arthroscopically so the whole knee had to be opened up) and the effect of surgery was more deleterious to performance than it is today.
As great as Irvin was, I’ve always believed that knee injury cost him a step. Pretty remarkable what he accomplished with that handicap.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jun 13, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting take there
But I don’t think I buy it. He averaged over 20 per catch in 1990 after he came back from the injury, too. Irvin was never a super speed burner, but he made plenty of big plays downfield nonetheless.
by East Bay Ray on Jun 13, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Troy is my favorite for never letting his ego stand in the way of the good of the team. A number 1 overall draft choice committing the majority of his career to handing off to a great running back is a rare sight in the NFL, especially for a QB with as great an arm and with as impeccable accuracy as Troy. He did what it took to win, though, and for that he’ll always be my favorite cowboy.
tough between troy and emmitt
they were so good and so classy.
But it was that O-line that did everything…right?
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
What's crazy is that when you watch Aikman get hammered in those highlights,
you see the same names looking around (Newton, Gesek, Stepnoski) that ended up being the very same OL that paved the way to the Super Bowl years.
Trust them...they know what they're doing.
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 13, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Irvin.
Close between Him and Smith. It was sp much fun watching him abuse Cornerbacks. Rice had all the attention, but in his prime Irvin was in Rice’s league.
With one exception, Irvin must have set the record for catches to the one yard line.
Never witnessed them play
I was too young but my dads favorite was Aikman so same with me.
Red Sox Nation? What a bunch of [expletive] that is. That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans.
Go anywhere in America and you won't see Red Sox hats and jackets, you'll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is a Yankee country. We're going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe to order.
by yankee country on Jun 13, 2010 12:32 PM CDT reply actions
Boy what jumps out at me most
is Emmitt’s durability over the span of that long career. Only one season (with Dallas) where he didn’t play at least 15 games. That’s an amazing stat.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Irvin
although as a person I like Emmitt more.I got to meet his family the day he broke the rushing record and they were a bunch of nice folks.
The reason I picked Irvin was because he was the team leader.He never gave up.
Seeing him get hurt in Philly was a really bad scene for me.It was the start of the demise for our Super Bowl team.
by TCB Orange Dino on Jun 13, 2010 1:20 PM CDT reply actions
Since they all retired my favorite has been Irvin due to his unabashed Dallas loyalty and that great HOF speech.
When I was a child though and they were all still playing, my clear favorite was Troy. It wasn’t even close. I have three different Troy Aikman jerseys (I needed new ones as I grew) and numerous posters. I also have two different signed photographs of him that I count among my most prized possessions.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
Can't do it
It’s like saying which kid is your favorite. No way can I answer that.
TERRIBLE strategy
Here’s what you do – hint that there is a favorite, and then play them off against each other. It’s not all that great for their psyche, but it beats most television for entertainment….
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
eggggselent :)
also hint that there’s a huge will, and misdeeds will leave you out of it …
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Me either
Besides, the sum of what they did sure as hell beats individual achievements. They were all great, but together it was amazing.
"He walked 18."
"New league record!"
"Struck out 18."
"Another new league record! In addition he hit the sportswriter, the public address announcer, the bull mascot twice...also new league records! But, Joe, this guy's got some serious shit."
i was too young to watch them mutch
but from that book i read by pearlman (?) about their glory days, it’s irvin, aikman, then emmitt a distant third. maybe the writer just didn’t like emmitt, but he painted him as a guy who cared only about that rushing record and that was it. and everyone describes irvin as the heart and soul of that team. the book also made troy seem like a very classy, if somewhat boring, dude
Nah Pearlman is pretty unbiased.
Plus I’ve heard some pretty harsh comments towards Emmitt from people who have met him.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jun 13, 2010 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It's Michael for me.
He was the heart of that team.
My second favorite team next to the Cowboys were the Hurricanes in the 80’s.
Jimmy, Michael. Those were my guys.
Have we drafted any Canes since Jimmy left.
The impossible choice. I went Aikman because the evil genius that is Aaron forced me to
They really were one being on the field – Troy the brain, Emmitt the heart and Michael the soul….
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Irvin
Based upon on-field accomplishments it’s difficult. Obviously they are all hall of fame and I don’t want to tear Aikman or Emmitt down, but based on the way Irvin would fire up the team (and us fans) after a big play, he was always my favorite. However, when you take into account (and I like this from a previous post) his unabashed Dallas loyalty in retirement it makes it an easier choice.
by Beuerleincouldhavebeenbetterthentroy on Jun 13, 2010 3:19 PM CDT reply actions
Who was/is a better trio then our triplets.
All were studly HOFamers but Troy’s my boy.
Read somewhere long ago that Emmitt was the heart of the team, Irvin the soul and Troy the brain.
During his prime loved to watch “Robo-quarterback” with his laser accuracy, 20 yard outs on a frozen rope and almost perfect decision-making to go along with his team first attitude. What a pro.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
not even close
saw it somewhere shortly after they all retired.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
me too.
Do you remember where you heard/read that though? Assume it was the DMN but I cannot recall.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
I really can't.
I know Troy’s book was called something like Mind, Body and Soul. But until we figure it out, let’s just go with me.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Favorite Triplet
After Emmit little prediction last year of the Boys going 9-7 I have no respect for him.
I don't let a player's media or public life after their NFL career interfere with how I remember them as a player
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Even if one were inclined to
You can’t compare what you don’t know. Maybe Emmitt’s a really bad man and no one knows.
I love it when athletes are also role models, but like you, I’m not in a position to judge them for anything more than I see on the field. The only exception I make is probably something like murder. I can just never think of OJ the same way even though I admired his running.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
and you forgive Troy for his transgressions as a Color Comentator at the Boys games?
Sounds like sacrilege to me. Everytime he opens his mouth he blastphemes and pays homage to some unholy golden calf, or scarlet calf , or blue or green calf……..well, you get te picture.
Stats don't come close to doing Aikman justice
It’s a little jarring to see him with a career passer rating of only 81.6 when he was obviously a much more valuable QB than that indicates. I’m glad HOF voters didn’t hold it against him.
Having said that, based on what they were as players and not their post playing careers, I choose Emmitt Smith. My caveat is that I disclaim his embarrassing career as an analyst, and his mangled syntax.
Irvin
I’m just a WR guy, loved 88 highlights then and now.
Plus he’s still the most entertaining in the role he plays now, media and all…
Jesus Christ
why don’t you ask me who my favorite child is! (I have none, but you get the point.)
Aikman is the reason why I started following the Cowboys, so I’m going with him. Although I love each one equally.
Has to be Aikman
Emmitt is a hater, and Irvin had ethical and legal issues.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
You really think Emmitt "hates" the Cowboys?
by StillHateTheGiants on Jun 13, 2010 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he makes a lot of ignorant statements that tend to be negative
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
What does that have to do with "hate"
Unless you’re changing the definition of hate.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jun 14, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
For me, it's Emmitt
Troy is routinely (and correctly) touted as a top 10-15 QB all time, despite his lower statistical numbers, and Irvin gets plenty of pub as a top WR and a big emotional cog of that 1990s team.
But Emmitt always seems to be underrated or sold short for some reason (if it’s possible for the NFL’s #1 career rusher to be underrated). When you hear media members or fans of other teams talk about Emmitt, it’s always, “Yes he was great, but…” That “but” takes a few forms— “he had a great offensive line,” “he wasn’t a pure runner like so-and-so,” “lots of other backs could’ve put those numbers in that offense,” etc.
To me, that stuff is crazy. I doubt I need to convince the folks on this board of all the reasons Emmitt was uniquely great, but if you ever find yourself in a disagreement of that nature, these are the two sites that I use for my quick reference data:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=5541
(an exceptional breakdown by Pro Football reference on why Emmitt was more than just very good)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=3055421
(A perspective on why the “Barry Sanders was a better NFL RB than Emmitt” arguments just don’t hold water)
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Jun 13, 2010 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, one way to look at it is
that Emmitt could be argued as one of the top RBs of all times (in the top three, let’s say), while you’d be hard pressed to say the same about Troy or Michael.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
True
And Emmitt probably had fewer physical tools than the other 2
by StillHateTheGiants on Jun 13, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
And RB is such a tough position to have a long career at, and especially to have the success that Emmitt had.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
don't be so sure about that
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=257
For now I want to talk about the one guy who always appears near the top of these kinds of lists but who isn’t usually thought of as one of the all-time greats: Michael Irvin
He’s barely behind the best receiver of all time, and a mile ahead of everyone else. Even if you consider all five-year stretches that started within five years of 1991, Irvin’s is still second best, it’s still close to Rice’s best, and it’s more than a hundred yards better than anyone else.
But that understates it. Irvin was playing on a conservative offense. During Rice’s best stretch, the 49ers were throwing 536 passes per season, compared to 482 passes per year for the Cowboys during Irvin’s peak. From 1991—1995, Irvin averaged more yards per team passing attempt than any player in post-merger NFL history
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jun 14, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
And if his career had lasted longer
maybe it would be close. But I think most people can’t argue that Emmitt isn’t one of the top all backs where there’s more wiggle room with Irvin and even more with Aikman.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Nice post ... clearly we are arguing about three of the NFLs elite :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Agreed...
Troy and Michael are extremely far from being one of the top RBs of all times. More than hard pressed, someone would have to be a complete fool to say otherwise. : )
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
by Pnut Gallery on Jun 17, 2010 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Troy and Michael never played RB so I agree
But as a qb abd wr, they were among the best of all time
In Romo we Trust
Irvin moreso than Aikman
There is no doubt that all three were awesome, but that was just a response to dunkman’s claim that
Emmitt could be argued as one of the top RBs of all times (in the top three, let’s say), while you’d be hard pressed to say the same about Troy or Michael.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
by Pnut Gallery on Jun 18, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
I find myself being the defender of Emmitt’s greatness often with my friends, most of whom are not Cowboys fans. I tend to fall back on the “OK, what else could he possibly have done to impress you?” He was league MVP, Super Bowl MVP, 3 time SB winner, rushing champ a couple of times, HOF-er, and the all-time rushing yards and TD leader. What else do you want? Dominant offensive line? Really? Nobody was saying that about those guys before 1990. He ran behind 1 O-lineman who will make the HOF, and that is Larry Allen, who arrived late in the Cowboys dynasty.
But, I will say this about that O-line: it’s such a shame that Erik Williams had the car accident that he never fully physically recovered from, because he’s one of the best O-lineman I’ve ever seen play. Big, strong, athletic, and with a NASTY streak. All the things you want in a lineman. At his peak, he was dominating Reggie White!!
by East Bay Ray on Jun 13, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
#22 Will live on Forever
Hard choice but not really Emmitt hands down. Troy and Mike will live on forever too just not like Emmitt you won’t ever see another undersized workhorse like that.
Someone's always Going to be Hating on Da Boyz
Aikman
But it was harder than choosing who in the East I hate the most.
Man, I love watching those three play. It was a real blessing. Like watching Jordan and B Sanders.
Someone knock me unconcious until August. No, September, preseason only makes it worse.
by BlueNSilverBlood on Jun 13, 2010 7:53 PM CDT reply actions
It's ok for men to cry
… just not often.
I’ll never forget the tears in my tough-as-nails dad’s eyes when emmit continued to rush for 200+ yards against the Giants to win the NFC East. That established him as my #1 cowboy.
Emmitt was also crying that day...because he was playing with a dislocated shoulder
He separated his shoulder in the 2nd quarter, but kept playing the whole game. You could see the pain he was in the whole 2nd half, but he just kept coming back out because the Cowboys needed the win for a playoff bye. The game went to overtime, and Emmitt literally willed the Cowboys into field goal range for the win. That has to be the gutsiest football performance I’ve ever seen.
Here’s a recap video of that game
The irony of it all is the Cowboys only needed the win because a contract dispute kept Emmitt out the first two games of the season. The Cowboys record that year:
Without Emmitt – 0-2
With Emmitt – 15-2 (inc. Superbowl)
Yea, he’s got my vote.
by Left Coast Cowboy on Jun 14, 2010 4:38 AM CDT up reply actions
That is his most memorable game for me as well
because it summed up who he was – tough, focused, the will to win.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I was at that game, and even Giants fans were giving Emmitt his due ...
They all expected our offense to tank after that … but when Emmitt kept getting the rock, even hardened New Yorkers were full of respect. I’ve never been prouder to be a Cowboy fan.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Emmitt rushed for 168, I think
With receiving, he was at 200+ yards on the day.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Always loved Irvin!
Love all 3, but Irvin had “IT”.
Two moments with the Playmaker:
1. It was very early in his career, I believe before Dallas had won a SB in the 90’s. Dallas took a 34-0 lead in Giants Stadium, and Jimmy Johnson had sort of prematurally put in some back ups. With a couple of turnovers and quick 3 and outs, New York came roaring back in to get within 34-28 with about 2 minutes left to play. The Giants Stadium scoreboard keeper had put NY 35 Dal 34 on the scoreboard and the crowd went crazy. … With the Giants using all their timeouts, Dall only need a first down. Irvin caught his pattened out for a first down and emphatically signalled to the NY crowd FIRST DOWN!! (I think it was the first time he ever gave the signal like that, but it caught on)
2. Practice one day (don’t recall what year but early in his career), and Irvin was just busting it. Every snap going 100% and it drew the ire of one of the veteran players (whose name was never mentioned to the public), but the story was reported. The vet asks, “What gotten into you?” and Irvin just flips out, starts yelling, and proclaims, “We aint gonna be losers! Not while I am here, we ain’t gonna be losers!” From day #1, the Playmaker laid down the law .. you ain’t into sacrificing for T-E-A-M, then there’s the door. Michael’s work ethic and team values were contagious … 90’s Cowboys not the same with out him!
by spadesking131313 on Jun 13, 2010 9:12 PM CDT reply actions
I was at that game too ... I believe it was 28-0 early in the third, and the Cowboys took their foot off the gas
I may be wrong about that … Giants stadium was going nuts when they scored their third touchdown. That was still in the day when the Cowboys ABSOLUTELY OWNED the Giants in their own stadium. Look it up (I’m way too lazy), but when we weren’t crushing them, we were getting lucky :)
The game that comes to mind is a Sunday night game that the Cowboys were winning with ease before a ferocious Giants come-back. With about 15 seconds to play, they took the lead. Then they proceeded to kickoff out-of-bounds. We completed one pass to about their 35 yard line, then kicked the winning field goal. That defined the Cowboys Meadowlands luck. :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Irvin
His passion and fire are what fueled the entire offensive unit.
The other thing that often flies under the radar about him is that he was an emotional extension of Jimmy. Of all the players on the team, no one had a personality quite like Irvin’s. His lust for winning was like a drug addict’s need for a fix.
Eventually, I think when Irvin had reached the top and he had no more worlds to conquer, he fell off of the ledge and found his ‘fix’ in other areas.
Nonetheless, no play was so unabashedly passionate, emotional and momentum-swinging like a big first down to Irvin.
I fear I will never get another fix like the ones I got from watching him in the 90’s.
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
...and aren't you just on pins and needles waiting to hear some new Emmitt-ism's?
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
Least favorite is Aikman
Take him out of the Cowboys lineup, they still won big regular season games and a playoff game. Take Emmitt out; well, 0-2 in 1993 sums it up. Take Irvin out, 2-3 start in 1996, lose to Panther upstarts when he goes out early.
Ironically, one of my favorite games was when the Cowboys beat Favre and the Packers in 1999 without Smith, Irvin and Aikman. As I recall, Chris Warren, Ernie Mills and Garrett all had solid replacement performances, capped off with George teague’s 95 yard int TD to clinch the win.
Mike
Sometimes I dream
That he is me
You’ve got to see that’s how I dream to be
I dream I move, I dream I groove
Like Mike
If I could Be Like Mike
Like Mike
Oh, if I could Be Like Mike
Be Like Mike, Be Like Mike
Again I try
Just need to fly
For just one day if I could
Be that way
I dream I move
I dream I groove
Like Mike
If I could Be Like Mike
I wanna be, I wanna be
Like Mike
Oh, if I could Be Like Mike
I love all 3 and it's so hard to choose but..
…I will say that other phenomenal players like, Novacek, Haley, Allen, & Woodson tend to get overlooked in the triplets’ shadow. The Cowboys never won another super bowl after Haley and Novacek left for example.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
Emmitt gets my vote because
quite afew times he carried the team on his back. And when Emmitt got over 100 yards we almost always won. But all 3 were great.
Roger Staubach was the original Captain Comeback......My childhood hero.
Formerly JAHII (actually, I am still JAHII, Retired United States Marine)
Thanks to OCC, Sublimz and others for the avatars!
by CapnComebackII on Jun 14, 2010 10:21 AM CDT reply actions
Aikman
It was hard to choose between the 3 but Aikman was the guy who kept that huddle in a straight line. you really cannot go wrong with any of them.
Irvin was just great
Just recall his great games. He had a couple just monster matches every year from 91-96. Games where he had double-digit catches or 150+ yards. And they were big games too. And it didn’t matter if it was Aikman throwing the ball or if it was Peulluer, Beurlein, Garrett or Peete behind center. I think Irvin even had a 100-yard game with Wade Wilson as his QB! And his postseason numbers were pretty impressive.
Ok that settles it – Irvin is my All Time Favorite Triplet.
I like It
that all of our Triplets will soon be in the HOF. But Michael always has been my guy.
"You have to have a stronger belief in yourself than the disbelief of others."
Antonio Ramirez Romo
Emmitt was my favorite while they were all playing,
but Irvin has surpassed him by proving to be a die hard Cowboy to the end. Emmitts comments rub me the wrong way sometimes, but every time I see his highlights or watch America’s Game on NFL network for the super bowl runs I love him all over again.
I voted for Emmitt, but this post speaks to my feeling these days ... sorry, Emmitt, but last year's comment still stings
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
How about defensive triplets?
A lineman, linebacker and defensive back.
In the 90s it would be Haley, Norton and Woodson.
Ratliff, Ware and Jenkins as the Cowboys new defensive triplets.
None of the above are surefire HOFers, like Irvin/Aikman/Emmitt.
Troy and Emmitt were both the best I've seen play their respective positions
But I’d have to go with Troy, clearly the leader and face of the franchise during that dynasty, although Emmitt is 1b to Troy’s 1a.
In Romo we Trust
Emmitt ...
pure class …tho not the greatest speaker in the world. But tough, hardnosed, clutch.
Great athlete.
Better human being.
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
Irvin
Dont get me wrong I loved Emmitt for a long time. His class along with his game made him something. Some of the things he has said/done recently have actually made me lose some respect (dancing with the stars and his horrible broadcasting + some of the criticisms about players).
The only thing I ever had against Aikman was that QBs get too much love :)
Why Irvin? Because long after he could no longer play the way he needed to … he was still a dedicated Cowboy. He still is more so than the other 3 in my opinion and that has put him over the top, especially these last few years.
He wasn’t the guy with the most class or the one you would vote for president. But as a football player and some guy you want on your team and around your team long after …. he is the man.
I voted Emmitt without much thought, because he was always such a frickin' rock
Troy was Troy, but I guess as a Staubach fan, I had a hard time hearing people try to say Troy was better. Call me the pancake man these days because I keep flip-flopping on my opinions, but I like your points here, and truthfully, Irvin has been the rock of ages :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
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