While the Dallas Cowboys’ story didn't begin for many fans until the early '70s, they still had star power in the 1960s. One such performer was Don Perkins, their Fullback from the University of New Mexico.
Perkins played eight years in the NFL, all of which were with the Dallas Cowboys, and he would secure a selection to the Pro Bowl in six of them. He was a cerebral player in that he lacked speed but had bursts of quickness from the Line of Scrimmage and knew what to do to avoid tackles. He would rush for over 6,000 Yards and be considered to be an above-average blocker.
As an NFL rookie in 1959 for the Chicago Bears, Lionel Taylor saw limited action, but his bench-warming days were behind him as he signed with the Denver Broncos of the American Football League.
Taylor would lead the AFL in Receptions in each of the league’s first four seasons and again in 1965. He would make history by becoming the first player to have a 100 Reception Season (1961), and while he never led the AFL in Receiving Yards, he was in the top three on five occasions. What hurts Taylor is that his Yards per Reception and Touchdown production weren’t strong, but he was, without a doubt, the Broncos’ first real offensive weapon. We think that means something!