The Dallas Cowboys franchise was admitted to the league too late to participate in the 1960 NFL Draft, so on November 28, 1959, one month prior to the draft, Don Meredith signed a personal services contract with Tecon Corporation which, like the Cowboys, was owned by Clint Murchison. This contract meant he would play for the Cowboys if and when they received an NFL franchise. He is considered by some to be the original Dallas Cowboy because he had come to the team even before the franchise had adopted a nickname, hired a head coach or participated in either the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft or its first NFL Draft in 1961.

 

In 1966, Meredith led the Cowboys to the NFL postseason, something he would continue to do until his unexpected retirement before the 1969 season. His two most heartbreaking defeats came in NFL Championship play against the Green Bay Packers, 34–27 in Dallas (1966), and the famous "Ice Bowl" game, 21–17 in Green Bay (1967). During his career, he had a 50.7 percent completion rate, throwing for 17,199 yards and 135 touchdowns. He was named the NFL Player of the Year in 1966 and was named to the Pro Bowl 3 times.  Show your appreciation for Don Meredith with collectibles, photographs and more here at the Drew Pearson's Cowboys Legends Pro Shop.