7 weeks ago was June 7th. It was an ordinary Sunday by most measures, but in the sports world it was Game 2 of the NBA Finals. It was a pretty riveting game that even went to overtime, with LeBron James’ Cavaliers outlasting the eventual World Champion Golden State Warriors 95-93. Doesn’t feel like that was too long ago, does it?
The 2015 Dallas Cowboys season is exactly 7 weeks away. Throw your hands up like you just don’t care because this is fantastic news. There seemed to have been an absence of fantastic news all throughout the 49ers offseason with almost every person and coach leaving; however, 49 will feel fantastic today as we determine the Greatest 49 in Dallas Cowboys History.
The Following Players Have All Worn 49 For The Dallas Cowboys:
- Johnny Huggins, TE
- Brett Pierce, TE
- Jason Pociask, TE
As you can see we have plenty of options to choose from for today’s installment in our Countdown To Kickoff Series. Can you believe that since 1960 only 3 players have worn 49 for the Dallas Cowboys?
Assuming you’re still with this…can you also believe that the first time a person wore 49 for the Dallas Cowboys in a regular season game didn’t happen until 2001! It took over 40 years for any player with a Star on his hat to do this. Incredible.
Johnny 49er
Johnny Huggins was a trailblazer in terms of the Dallas Cowboy 49. America’s Team signed the former Alabama State tight end as an undrafted free agent in 2001. Huggins, what a friendly last name, actually played for the NFL Europe’s Rhein Fire team in the spring of 2001 before suiting up for the Cowboys that fall.
Johnny Cowboy
Appearing in 10 games of the 2001 season, Johnny caught 8 passes for 36 yards. During the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft the Houston Texans snatched Johnny away, keeping him in the Lone Star State. He would be released before that season began, re-signed by the Cowboys, but also released by the Cowboys before the 2002 season.
It’s pretty amazing how few people have worn the number 49 for the Dallas Cowboys, but Johnny manages to have outdone them all. Johnny Huggins made history as the first Cowboy 49, and he is the Greatest 49 in Dallas Cowboys History.
Check back tomorrow to find out who the Greatest 48 in Dallas Cowboys History is!
Want to share your opinions on who should be featured on our Countdown To Kickoff? Email me at rjochoa@insidethestar.com or Tweet @rjochoa.
RJ:
Are you sure that picture is Johnny Huggins? I found a 2001 football card of him on Beckett, and the card shows him as black:
http://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1045/2001-leaf-rookies-and-stars-138-johnny-huggins-rc_82118448
(hover over the image to zoom-in for a larger view)
Fred Goodwin
San Antonio, TX
Thanks, Fred. Sadly, Huggins is probably the most under-covered player of the 21st century. Can’t find another picture of him beyond that card. Updated the post.
Thanx — I’m sure he would appreciate it if he’s lurking.
Thanks for the heads up, Fred! I feel like the corner with you playing safety behind me!