By Darin How does a third-string sophomore transform a struggling program into a national powerhouse in just one afternoon? In 1957, Don Meredith stepped onto the field against a heavily favored Texas Longhorns team and walked off as a Texas legend. Known for his wit, his signature singing, and a completion percentage that defied his era, “Dandy Don” was the heartbeat of Southern Methodist University. From his back-to-back All-American honors to his role in building the Dallas Cowboys dynasty, Meredith proved that you could play the game at the highest level without ever losing your sense of humor.
Football Bio
April 10, 1938 – Mount Vernon, Texas – Don Meredith, the fun-loving Southern Methodist University Quarterback from 1957 to 1959, was born.
He was known by many as “Dandy Don” as he was a fun-loving guy! The NFF tells how Don earned his shot in college football. Meredith started his sophomore year in 1957 as the third-string quarterback and completed only four of six passes in the first four games. Then, against favored Texas, he carried the ball 10 times for 72 yards, and, throwing short but straight, completed six of nine pass attempts, including two scoring strikes for an unexpected 19-12 victory. All the young QB did the rest of the year was complete 71 of 102 attempts for 912 yards, seven touchdowns, and a .696 completion percentage. Opening the 1958 season against top-ranked Ohio State, Meredith completed 20 throws out of 27 attempts for 204 yards, but the Mustangs fell by three to the Buckeyes.
Don went on to become an All-American in both 1958 and 1959. Don Meredith was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982 after the National Football Foundation tallied its votes. Dandy Don had a great NFL career, playing quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-68, and then became a sports announcer with ABC-TV, most notably on Monday Night Football with Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford.
Conclusion
Don Meredith’s impact on the gridiron went far beyond the stat sheet. At SMU, he set a standard for accuracy that was decades ahead of its time, finishing his career with a remarkable .610 completion percentage. As the original quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, he weathered the lean early years to lead “America’s Team” to three straight division titles and two NFL Championship games. Whether he was launching a deep ball to Bob Hayes or serenading millions on Monday Night Football with “Turn out the lights, the party’s over,” Meredith remained the quintessential Texas quarterback—tough, talented, and always ready with a smile.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1982.
- Two-Time All-American: 1958 and 1959.
- NCAA Completion Percentage Leader: 1957 (.696) and 1959.
- Three-Time Pro Bowl Selection: 1966, 1967, 1968.
- Bert Bell Award (NFL Player of the Year): 1966.
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor: Inducted in 1976.
- SMU Career Record: Set then-school records with 3,740 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.
- Monday Night Football Icon: Original member of the broadcast team (1970–1973, 1977–1984).
- Two-Time Emmy Award Winner: For his work in sports broadcasting.
