Countdown to the season opener: Day 74 Bob Breunig

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 74) 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 74.

Bob Breunig

Born: July 4, 1953. Inglewood, California
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 1975-1984
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XII
All-Pro- 1980
Pro Bowl– 1979, 1980, 1982

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Bob Breunig played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1984 after being drafted in the third round out of Arizona State. Taking over for Hall of Famer Lee Roy Jordan, Breunig became the heart of the Cowboys’ defense throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his intelligence, tackling ability, and leadership, he was a three-time Pro Bowler and team captain. Breunig started in two Super Bowls (X and XII), helping Dallas win the championship in Super Bowl XII as part of the famed “Doomsday Defense.” He would hold the team record for most tackles in a season (167), and lead the team in tackles for six seasons.

Best known for:
Breunig was best known for being the Cowboys’ defensive signal-caller and a steady, high-IQ presence at middle linebacker, succeeding a legend and becoming one of the franchise’s all-time leading tacklers.

Lesser known fact:
Breunig was a standout student and Academic All-American in college, and after retiring from football, he went on to have a successful career in business, turning down coaching opportunities to focus on family and entrepreneurship.