Countdown to the season opener: Day 72 Ken Norton Jr

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 72) 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 running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 72.

Ken Norton Jr

Born: September 29, 1966. Jacksonville, Illinois
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 1988-1993
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX
All-Pro- 1993, 1995
Pro Bowl– 1993, 1995, 1997

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Ken Norton Jr. played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1988 to 1993 after being selected in the second round out of UCLA. Known for his relentless motor, physicality, and leadership, Norton developed into a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense during their early 1990s dynasty. He was the team’s leading tackler in multiple seasons and played a pivotal role in back-to-back Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII. Norton’s fiery play and intensity helped set the tone for a defense that became one of the league’s best.

Best known for:
Norton was best known for being a tackling machine and emotional leader on the Cowboys’ defense during their early ’90s championship run, including starting in two Super Bowl victories.

Lesser known fact:
Norton was the first player in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. After winning two with Dallas, he signed with the 49ers and won a third straight title in Super Bowl XXIX. This feat was matched again in 2025, when Philadelphia Eagles offensive linemen, Darian Kinard, won his third consecutive Lombardi in Super Bowl LIX.