Countdown to the season opener: Day 46 Sean Lee

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 46) 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 are running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 46.

Sean Lee

Born: July 22, 1986. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Position: Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys: 2010-2020
Awards: All-Pro- 2016
Pro Bowl– 2015, 2016

Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images

Sean Lee played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 2010 to 2020, after being selected in the second round out of Penn State. Nicknamed “The General” for his intelligence and leadership, Lee was the heart of the Cowboys’ defense when healthy. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2016, thanks to his elite instincts, film study habits, and sideline-to-sideline range. Despite battling multiple injuries throughout his career, Lee remained a respected team captain and mentor, often serving as the defensive play-caller on the field.

Best known for:
Lee was best known for his football IQ, leadership, and tackling ability, acting as the quarterback of the Cowboys’ defense. Unfortunately, Lee is also best known for being often injured and missing large chunks of seasons.

Lesser known fact:
Before committing to football full-time, Lee was a standout basketball player in high school and even considered pursuing the sport at the collegiate level. His court awareness and agility translated well into his ability to read and react on the football field.