Countdown to the season opener: Day 92 Bradie James

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 92) 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 92.

Bradie James

Born: January 17, 1981. Monroe, Louisiana
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 2003–2011
Awards: N/A

Bradie James played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2011 after being selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of LSU. He became a full-time starter in 2005 and was a defensive cornerstone for much of the decade. Known for his leadership, toughness, James led the Cowboys in tackles for six straight seasons from 2005 to 2010, a franchise record still held to this day. He also peaked with 202 total tackles in 2008, just 20 tackles shy of the team’s single season record. He was a vocal leader on and off the field, helping to anchor the defense during multiple playoff runs and coaching transitions. He would play for Houston for one year, later signing a one-day contract with Dallas before retiring.

Best known for:
James was best known for his consistency and leadership, serving as the heart of the Cowboys’ defense and leading the team in tackles for six consecutive seasons.

Lesser known fact:
James was deeply involved in off-the-field philanthropy during his playing career, founding the Foundation 56 in honor of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer. The foundation has provided education, screenings, and support for breast cancer patients, making James one of the early advocates for breast cancer awareness in the NFL, well before the league’s “Crucial Catch” campaign became prominent.