Countdown to the season opener: Day 63 Jethro Pugh

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 63) 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 63.

Jethro Pugh

Born: July 3, 1944. Windsor, North Carolina
Position: Defensive tackle
Dallas Cowboys: 1965-1978
Awards: Super Bowl champion- VI, XII
All-Pro- 1968, 1973

Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Jethro Pugh played defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965 to 1978, spending his entire 14-year NFL career with the team. A key member of the legendary “Doomsday Defense,” Pugh was known for his quickness off the line and ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior. Though often overshadowed by bigger-name teammates like Bob Lilly and Randy White, Pugh was remarkably consistent, recording 96.5 career sacks, and he started in two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII). He was a quiet anchor on one of the most dominant defenses of his era.

Best known for:
Pugh was best known for being a reliable and productive force on the Cowboys’ defensive line, helping them reach five Super Bowls and contributing to two championship teams.

Lesser known fact:
Pugh’s 96.5 career sacks still ranks sixth-most in Cowboys history, more than Bob Lilly, Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Lawrence.