Countdown to the season opener: Day 95 Eddie LeBaron

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 95) with some Cowboys history

We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we asked some of our writers to rank their top-100 players in Cowboys history using no particular criteria, and put the results together into one list. The further away you get from the top 20 or so, the more varied the opinions. Sometimes it is about more than just stats. Things like fame level, length of career in Dallas, the era they played in – all can affect where an individual might rank them. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 95.

Eddie LeBaron

Born: January 7, 1930. San Rafael, California
Position: Quaterback
Dallas Cowboys: 1960–1963
Awards: NFL Rookie of the Year (1952)
4× Pro Bowl (1955, 1957, 1958, 1962)

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Eddie LeBaron joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1960 as the franchise’s first starting quarterback during their inaugural NFL season. Though undersized at just 5’7”, LeBaron brought veteran leadership and experience to a young expansion team. Despite the Cowboys’ struggles in their early years, he provided stability and professionalism, helping to lay the groundwork for the team’s future success. LeBaron played three seasons in Dallas before retiring, earning respect for his toughness and intelligence on the field. He would lay the foundation for Don Meredith and be his mentor, helping the young quarterback ease into the life of professional football. After life playing quarterback in the NFL, LeBaron served as the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 until 1981.

Sadly, LeBaron passed away in April, 2015. He left behind a legacy in the league as well as leaving behind his wife, three sons, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His entire life from the military to the league proved that great things come in small packages.

Best known for:
LeBaron was best known for being the first starting quarterback in Cowboys history, throwing the first touchdown for the franchise and setting the tone for the team’s future.

Lesser known fact:
Before joining the Cowboys, LeBaron served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism, making him one of the few NFL players to have also been a decorated war veteran. He also owns the record for the shortest passing touchdown in NFL history, throwing a strike in the end zone from the two-inch line.