Countdown to the season opener: Day 65 DeMarco Murray

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 65) 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 65.

DeMarco Murray

Born: February 12, 1988. Las Vegas, Nevada
Position: Running back
Dallas Cowboys: 2011-2014
Awards: NFL Offensive Player of the Year- 2014
All-Pro- 2014
Pro Bowl– 2013, 2014, 2016
NFL rushing yards leader – 2014
NFL rushing TD leader – 2014

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

DeMarco Murray played running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 2011 to 2014 after being selected in the third round out of Oklahoma. Known for his vision, patience, and balance, Murray emerged as one of the NFL’s premier backs behind the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line. His breakout came in 2014, when he led the league with 1,845 rushing yards, setting a franchise record for single-season rushing yards by overtaking Emmitt Smith, and helped Dallas reach the playoffs. That season earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection.

Best known for:
Murray was best known for his historic 2014 season, where he set the Cowboys’ single-season rushing record and carried the offense with consistent, physical play week after week. His run of eight consecutive 100-yard games broke Jim Brown’s record to start a season.

Lesser known fact:
Despite his power-back reputation, Murray was a standout track athlete in high school, excelling in sprinting and relay events. This athleticism translated into his smooth, explosive running style on the football field.