Cowboys fans rejoiced last weekend when the announcement was made that former head coach Jimmy Johnson would be inducted into the team’s prestigious Ring of Honor on Dec. 30. Johnson’s omission from the controversially exclusive club had created an uproar among fans for several years.
With Johnson’s induction now scheduled, who is the next name deserving of the Ring of Honor? Here are a few names to consider.
Harvey Martin
Martin spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys, averaging 10 sacks a season, winning co-MVP in Super Bowl XII, and amassing 20 sacks during his 1977 NFL Defensive Player of the Year season. Martin was a Dallas native, graduating from South Oak Cliff High School.
Martin’s omission is likely rooted in the many demons he fought during his NFL career, including substance abuse and run-ins with the law. Martin passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2001.
Jason Witten
One of the most decorated tight ends in NFL history, Witten caught 1,215 passes over 16 seasons with the Cowboys. Witten spent his final season with the Raiders in 2020.
Witten made the Pro Bowl 11 times, and was named an all-pro on four different occasions. He holds the Cowboys franchise record for career receptions.
Tony Romo
There is some debate over whether Romo did enough to get enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor, but there will definitely be consideration from Jerry Jones.
Romo was a four-time Pro Bowler and holds several franchise passing records. He would be the first quarterback admitted to the Ring of Honor without at least an NFC Championship Game appearance.