Countdown to the season opener: Day 41 Roy Williams

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 41) 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’re running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 41.

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Roy Williams

Born: August 14, 1980. Redwood City, California
Position: Safety
Dallas Cowboys: 2002-2008
Awards: All-Pro- 2003
Pro Bowl– 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images

Roy Williams played safety for the Dallas Cowboys from 2002 to 2008, after being selected eighth overall in the 2002 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. Known for his hard-hitting style and physical presence in the box, Williams quickly made an impact as a rookie and earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He was a key part of the Cowboys’ defense in the early 2000s and gained a reputation as one of the most intimidating safeties in the league. His aggressive play style made him a fan favorite, though it also led to rule changes aimed at reducing dangerous tackles.

Best known for:
Williams was best known for his ferocious tackling and physical dominance, especially in run support, becoming the signature enforcer in the Cowboys’ secondary during the Parcells era.

Lesser known fact:
Williams was so infamous for his use of the horse-collar tackle that the NFL created the “Roy Williams Rule” in 2005, banning the maneuver after multiple injuries occurred, making him one of the few players in history to directly influence a rule change.