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From the hallowed grounds of the Naval Academy to the bright lights of Texas Stadium, few players in gridiron history have commanded as much respect and admiration as Roger Staubach. Known for his uncanny ability to escape pressure and deliver in the clutch, the man they called “Captain America” didn’t just play quarterback—he defined a generation of excellence. This is the story of a Heisman winner, a war veteran, and a Hall of Fame icon who transformed the Dallas Cowboys into “America’s Team.”
Football Bio
February 5, 1942 – Cincinnati, Ohio – The Naval Academy’s legendary quarterback, Roger Staubach, celebrated his day of birth. Staubach was fitting of the nickname “Roger the Dodger,” as his elusiveness kept defenses off guard, never knowing whether he would run or throw a pass. The NFF states that during three varsity seasons, Staubach completed 292 of 463 pass attempts, for an incredible 63% completion rate. And of those 463 throws, only 19 were intercepted. In 1963, Roger was honored by receiving both the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award and was selected as an All-American.
The voters of the College Football Hall of Fame came knocking on Roger Staubach’s door to induct him into their museum in 1981. Staubach completed his 4-year Navy commission and, at 27, joined the Dallas Cowboys as a rookie. He spent ten seasons under center with Dallas and, per ProfootballHOF.com, left with an amazing 83.4 passing rating, at the time the best mark by an NFL player. His career stats were officially 1,685 completions in 2,958 passing attempts, good for 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl winner and was the MVP of Super Bowl VI. In 1985, Roger Staubach was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Roger Staubach’s legacy extends far beyond the stat sheet. By balancing a commitment to military service with a late-blooming but explosive NFL career, he proved that character and composure are the hallmarks of a true champion. Whether he was scrambling away from defenders at Navy or leading a game-winning drive for the Cowboys, Staubach remained the ultimate “dodger”—always one step ahead of the competition and forever etched in the pantheon of football greats.
Accolades and Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner (1963)
- Maxwell Award Winner (1963)
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII)
- Super Bowl VI MVP
- 6× NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1971, 1975–1979)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1981)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)
- Bert Bell Award (1971)
- NFL Passing Leader (1973, 1978, 1979)
