Countdown to the season opener: Day 94 Eugene Lockhart

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 94) 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 94.

Eugene Lockhart

Born: March 8, 1961, Crockett, Texas
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 1984-1990
Awards: All-Pro (1989)

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Eugene Lockhart played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1984 to 1990 after being drafted in the sixth round out of the University of Houston. Known for his intensity and tackling ability, Lockhart quickly became a key part of the Cowboys’ defense during a transitional period for the team. In 1989, he led the league in tackles, recording a career-high total of 222, setting the franchise record.

Though the Cowboys were not big contenders during most of his tenure, Lockhart remained a consistent and productive presence on the field. His hard hits and relentless tackling ability got him the nickname “Eugene the hitting machine”. The unfortunate part for Lockhart was the fact he was a standout player and elite defender on a Cowboys roster that was at its lowest, even in his standout season in 1989 the Cowboys still went 1-15. For this reason, Lockhart missed out on big opportunities and was never a part of the Pro Bowl. With the arrival of Jimmy Johnson, despite leading the team in tackles again in 1990, Lockhart was traded to the New England Patriots.

Best known for:
Lockhart was best known for leading the NFL in tackles in 1989 and being a hard-hitting force in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense. He led the team in tackles in four of his seven years with the team.

Lesser known fact:
In 2012, Lockhart was incarcerated for fraud, a moment he deeply regrets and gives caution to people about trusting the wrong people. Since leaving prison he now does motivational speaking and mentorship, becoming a key role model for young athletes.