Home › Trends6

The Ultimate Guide To Cowboys Middle Linebackers: A Historical Deep Dive

Trends January 12, 2025

Middle linebackers have been a key part of the Dallas Cowboys' defense for decades.

The middle linebacker is responsible for calling the defensive plays and making sure that everyone is lined up correctly. He is also responsible for stopping the run and covering tight ends and running backs. Some of the most famous middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman.

Middle linebackers have played in Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, been named All-Pros and Defensive MVP. They are often the heart and soul of the defense, and they play a vital role in the team's success.

Here is a table of some of the most notable middle linebackers in Cowboys history:

Name	Years active	Accomplishments
Bob Lilly	1961-1974	11 Pro Bowls, 7 All-Pros, 2 Super Bowls
Lee Roy Jordan	1963-1976	8 Pro Bowls, 5 All-Pros, 2 Super Bowls
Mike Hegman	1978-1993	3 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pros, 3 Super Bowls

Middle linebackers are an important part of the Dallas Cowboys' defense, and they have been for decades. They are responsible for calling the defensive plays, stopping the run, and covering tight ends and running backs. Some of the most famous middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman.

Cowboys Middle Linebacker History

Middle linebackers have been a key part of the Dallas Cowboys' defense for decades. They are responsible for calling the defensive plays, stopping the run, and covering tight ends and running backs. Some of the most famous middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman.

Leadership
Tackling
Coverage
Play-calling
Intelligence
Durability
Athleticism
Experience

These are just a few of the key aspects of cowboys middle linebacker history. Middle linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense, and they play a vital role in the team's success. They must be intelligent, athletic, and durable. They must also be able to lead and motivate their teammates. Some of the best middle linebackers in Cowboys history have been able to do all of these things, and they have helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

1. Leadership

Leadership is one of the most important qualities of a middle linebacker. He is the quarterback of the defense, and he is responsible for calling the plays and making sure that everyone is lined up correctly. He must also be able to motivate and inspire his teammates, and he must be able to keep his composure under pressure.

Decision Making
The middle linebacker must be able to make quick decisions under pressure. He must be able to read the offense and make the right call to stop them.
Communication
The middle linebacker must be able to communicate effectively with his teammates. He must be able to relay the defensive calls and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Motivation
The middle linebacker must be able to motivate and inspire his teammates. He must be able to get them fired up and ready to play.
Composure
The middle linebacker must be able to keep his composure under pressure. He must be able to stay focused and make the right decisions, even when the game is on the line.

Leadership is essential for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been leaders on the field. Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman are just a few of the great middle linebackers who have played for the Cowboys. They were all leaders on and off the field, and they helped the Cowboys win multiple Super Bowls.

2. Tackling

Tackling is one of the most important aspects of football, and it is especially important for middle linebackers. Middle linebackers are responsible for stopping the run and covering tight ends and running backs. They must be able to tackle effectively in order to be successful.

There are many different tackling techniques, but the most important thing is to get the ball carrier on the ground. Middle linebackers must be able to wrap up the ball carrier and bring him down with force. They must also be able to tackle in space and make open-field tackles.

Tackling is a physical and demanding skill, but it is essential for middle linebackers. Middle linebackers who are good tacklers can make a big difference for their team. They can help to stop the run and prevent big plays.

Some of the best tacklers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman. These players were all known for their ability to tackle effectively and stop the run. They were all key members of the Cowboys' defense, and they helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

3. Coverage

Coverage is an essential aspect of football, and it is especially important for middle linebackers. Middle linebackers are responsible for covering tight ends and running backs, and they must be able to do so effectively in order to be successful.

Man-to-man coverage
In man-to-man coverage, the middle linebacker is responsible for covering a specific player. He must stay with his man and prevent him from getting open. Man-to-man coverage is the most difficult type of coverage to play, but it can be very effective if done correctly.
Zone coverage
In zone coverage, the middle linebacker is responsible for covering a specific area of the field. He must stay in his zone and prevent any receivers from getting open in that area. Zone coverage is less difficult to play than man-to-man coverage, but it can be less effective if the middle linebacker is not in the right position.
Combination coverage
Combination coverage is a mix of man-to-man and zone coverage. The middle linebacker may be responsible for covering a specific player in man-to-man coverage, but he may also be responsible for helping out in zone coverage if needed. Combination coverage can be very effective if it is done correctly.
Blitzing
Blitzing is when the middle linebacker rushes the quarterback. Blitzing can be very effective if it is done at the right time, but it can also be risky if it is not done correctly. Middle linebackers who are good at blitzing can be a valuable asset to their team.

Coverage is essential for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been able to cover effectively. Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman are just a few of the great middle linebackers who have played for the Cowboys. They were all able to cover effectively, and they helped the Cowboys win multiple Super Bowls.

4. Play-calling

Play-calling is one of the most important aspects of football, and it is especially important for middle linebackers. Middle linebackers are responsible for calling the defensive plays, and they must be able to do so effectively in order to be successful.

Pre-snap reads
Middle linebackers must be able to read the offense's formation and personnel before the snap. This will help them to determine what type of play the offense is likely to run, and it will allow them to call the appropriate defensive play.
Post-snap adjustments
Middle linebackers must be able to adjust their play-calling after the snap. This is because the offense may change its formation or personnel after the snap, and the middle linebacker must be able to adjust his call accordingly.
Communication
Middle linebackers must be able to communicate effectively with their teammates. This is because they need to be able to relay the defensive play call to the rest of the defense.
Leadership
Middle linebackers must be able to lead their teammates. This is because they are the quarterbacks of the defense, and they need to be able to motivate and inspire their teammates.

Play-calling is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for middle linebackers. Middle linebackers who are good at play-calling can make a big difference for their team. They can help to stop the offense and prevent big plays.

Some of the best play-calling middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman. These players were all known for their ability to call effective defensive plays. They were all key members of the Cowboys' defense, and they helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

5. Intelligence

Intelligence is a key component of success for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been intelligent players who were able to make quick decisions and diagnose the offense's intentions.

Football IQ
Football IQ is a measure of a player's understanding of the game of football. Middle linebackers with high football IQs are able to quickly learn and understand new defensive schemes, and they are able to make quick decisions on the field.
Field Vision
Field vision is the ability to see the entire field and anticipate where the ball is going. Middle linebackers with good field vision are able to make plays all over the field, and they are able to prevent big plays from happening.
Communication
Communication is essential for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys' defense is very complex, and middle linebackers need to be able to communicate effectively with their teammates in order to be successful.
Leadership
Leadership is another important quality for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are a high-profile team, and middle linebackers need to be able to lead their teammates on and off the field.

6. Durability

Durability is a key component of success for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been durable players who were able to stay on the field and play at a high level for many years.

There are many reasons why durability is so important for middle linebackers. First, middle linebackers are often the biggest and strongest players on the defense, and they are responsible for taking on blockers and making tackles. This can be a physically demanding job, and middle linebackers need to be able to withstand the punishment that comes with it.

Second, middle linebackers are often the leaders of the defense, and they need to be able to stay on the field in order to provide leadership and guidance to their teammates. If the middle linebacker is injured, the entire defense can suffer.

Some of the most durable middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman. Lilly played for the Cowboys for 14 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl VI victory. Jordan played for the Cowboys for 13 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl XII victory. Hegman played for the Cowboys for 15 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl XXVII victory.

These players were all able to stay on the field and play at a high level for many years. They were all key members of the Cowboys' defense, and they helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

7. Athleticism

Athleticism is a key component of success for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been athletic players who were able to run, jump, and tackle with the best of them.

There are many reasons why athleticism is so important for middle linebackers. First, middle linebackers are often the biggest and strongest players on the defense, and they are responsible for taking on blockers and making tackles. This can be a physically demanding job, and middle linebackers need to be able to have the strength and speed to withstand the punishment that comes with it.

Second, middle linebackers are often the leaders of the defense, and they need to be able to cover a lot of ground and make plays all over the field. This requires a high level of athleticism, including speed, agility, and endurance.

Some of the most athletic middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman. Lilly was a two-time All-American at Michigan State and was known for his strength and speed. Jordan was a three-time All-American at Alabama and was known for his athleticism and leadership. Hegman was a two-time All-American at Texas and was known for his speed and agility.

These players were all able to use their athleticism to become great middle linebackers. They were all key members of the Cowboys' defense, and they helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

8. Experience

Experience is a key component of success for any middle linebacker, but it is especially important for those who play for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a long history of great middle linebackers, and they have all been experienced players who were able to use their knowledge of the game to make plays and lead their team to victory.

There are many reasons why experience is so important for middle linebackers. First, middle linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense, and they need to have a deep understanding of the game in order to make the right calls and adjustments. Second, middle linebackers are often the leaders of the defense, and they need to be able to use their experience to motivate and guide their teammates. Third, middle linebackers are often the last line of defense against the run, and they need to have the experience to know how to stop the ball and prevent big plays.

Some of the most experienced middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman. Lilly played for the Cowboys for 14 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl VI victory. Jordan played for the Cowboys for 13 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl XII victory. Hegman played for the Cowboys for 15 seasons and was a key member of the team's Super Bowl XXVII victory.

These players were all able to use their experience to become great middle linebackers. They were all key members of the Cowboys' defense, and they helped the team win multiple Super Bowls.

FAQs about Cowboys Middle Linebacker History

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about the history of middle linebackers for the Dallas Cowboys:

Question 1: Who is considered the greatest middle linebacker in Cowboys history?

Answer: Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman are all considered to be among the greatest middle linebackers in Cowboys history. All three players were All-Pros and Pro Bowlers, and they all helped the Cowboys win multiple Super Bowls.

Question 2: What are the most important qualities for a middle linebacker?

Answer: The most important qualities for a middle linebacker are leadership, tackling, coverage, play-calling, intelligence, durability, athleticism, and experience.

Question 3: What is the role of the middle linebacker in the Cowboys defense?

Answer: The middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense. He is responsible for calling the defensive plays, making sure that everyone is lined up correctly, and stopping the run.

Question 4: What are some of the challenges that middle linebackers face?

Answer: Middle linebackers face a number of challenges, including the need to be able to read the offense, make quick decisions, and tackle effectively. They must also be able to stay healthy and play at a high level for many years.

Question 5: What is the future of the middle linebacker position for the Cowboys?

Answer: The future of the middle linebacker position for the Cowboys is bright. The Cowboys have a number of young and talented middle linebackers on their roster, and they are expected to be a key part of the team's defense for many years to come.

Summary: The middle linebacker position is a vital part of the Dallas Cowboys defense. Middle linebackers are responsible for calling the defensive plays, stopping the run, and covering tight ends and running backs. Some of the most famous middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman.

Transition: To learn more about the history of the Dallas Cowboys, please visit the team's website.

Cowboys Middle Linebacker History

The middle linebacker position has been a vital part of the Dallas Cowboys defense for decades. Middle linebackers are responsible for calling the defensive plays, stopping the run, and covering tight ends and running backs. Some of the most famous middle linebackers in Cowboys history include Bob Lilly, Lee Roy Jordan, and Mike Hegman.

These players were all leaders on and off the field, and they helped the Cowboys win multiple Super Bowls. The middle linebacker position is still important for the Cowboys today, and the team has a number of young and talented middle linebackers on their roster. These players are expected to be a key part of the team's defense for many years to come.