Bob Lilly A Star from TCU to the Cowboys

Born:July 26, 1939, in Olney, Texas, Bob Lilly was a game changing acquisition for the Dallas Cowboys.

College Career

Bob Lilly attended Texas Christian University (TCU) from 1958 to 1960, where he played for the Horned Frogs. Initially nicknamed "Tiger [Lilly]" by his teammates, he quickly established himself as a dominant force on both the defensive and offensive lines, though his future lay on defense. As a sophomore in 1958, he contributed to the team that won the Southwest Conference (SWC) championship. He became a full-time starter the following year, earning All-SWC honors on a defense that allowed a mere eight points per game, and helped his team tie for the SWC championship. In his senior year, 1960, Lilly's exceptional play earned him consensus All-American honors. His collegiate achievements led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.  

Road to the Pro Game

Lilly's dominant college career made him the first-ever draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys, selected 13th overall in the 1961 NFL Draft. He was also drafted by the Dallas Texans in the AFL. He began his professional career as a defensive end but transitioned to defensive tackle midway through his third season in 1963, a move that allowed him to flourish as the anchor of the Cowboys' famed "Doomsday Defense."  

Football Legacy

Bob Lilly is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history. Known as "Mr. Cowboy" for his unwavering commitment to the Dallas Cowboys, he was the first player to spend his entire career with the team to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His exceptional pass-rushing skills, agility, and instincts allowed him to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Lilly's leadership and dominance were instrumental in the Cowboys' success, including their victory in Super Bowl VI. He set a standard for defensive tackle play and remains a legendary figure in the Dallas Cowboys' rich history.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Super Bowl Champion (VI)

✦ 7-time First-team All-Pro (1964-1969, 1971)  

✦ 2-time Second-team All-Pro (1970, 1972)  

✦ 11-time Pro Bowl selection (1962, 1964-1973)  

✦ NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

✦ NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

✦ NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

✦ NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

✦ Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor (First Inductee)  

✦ Unanimous All-American (1960)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1981)  

✦ Career NFL Stats: 18 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception,

✦ 4 Defensive Touchdowns  

✦ Played in 196 consecutive regular-season games (only missed one game in his 14-year career).  

✦ Unofficial Career Sacks: 94.