Career History of Bob Lilly

Date of Birth: July 26, 1939

Position: Defensive Lineman (DL)

Teams Played For:

• Cowboys (COW) - 1961
• Dallas Cowboys (DAL) - 1961 to 1974

Career Overview

Bob Lilly is a legendary figure in the history of the NFL, primarily known for his remarkable tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. He played his entire professional career with the Cowboys, making a significant impact on the team's success and the league as a whole.

Career Highlights & Accomplishments

• First-Ever Draft Pick: Bob Lilly was the first player ever drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1961, setting the foundation for a franchise that would become one of the most successful in NFL history.
• Pro Bowl Selections: He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times during his career (1965-1975), showcasing his dominance as a defensive lineman.
• All-Pro Honors: Lilly was named a First-Team All-Pro seven times (1964-1969, 1971) and a Second-Team All-Pro twice (1970, 1972).
• Super Bowl Champion: He was a key player on the Cowboys' team that won Super Bowl VI in 1972, contributing to the franchise's first championship.
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year: In 1975, Lilly was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recognizing his exceptional play on defense.
• Pro Football Hall of Fame: In 1980, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest defensive linemen in the history of the NFL.
• Number Retirement: The Cowboys retired Lilly's jersey number 74 in honor of his contributions to the team.

Legacy

Bob Lilly is often referred to as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history. His combination of size, speed, and technique revolutionized the defensive tackle position. After retiring, he remained involved in the sport as a commentator and continues to be a respected figure in the NFL community.

Through his achievements, Lilly not only left a mark on the Dallas Cowboys but also influenced future generations of players in the league.