We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 47) 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 47.
Charlie Waters
Born: September 10, 1948. Miami, Florida
Position: Safety
Dallas Cowboys: 1970-1981
Awards: Super Bowl champion- VI, XII
All-Pro- 1977, 1978
Pro Bowl– 1976, 1977, 1978
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Charlie Waters played safety for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1981, after being drafted in the third round out of Clemson. Originally starting his career at cornerback, Waters transitioned to safety, where he flourished alongside Cliff Harris to form one of the most feared and effective safety duos in NFL history. Known for his football IQ, toughness, and big-game performances, Waters played in five Super Bowls, winning two championships. He finished his career with 41 interceptions, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders with the third-most in team history.
45 Years Ago Today
January 7, 1979
° 1978 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP °CBS Sports’ Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier lead us into the game highlights
Fueled by safety Charlie Waters’ big day (fumble recovery, ½ sack, two key second half interceptions), the #Cowboys force seven turnovers… pic.twitter.com/WlxAmOVkxp
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 7, 2024
Best known for:
Waters was best known for being a versatile, clutch defensive back and a key piece of the Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense,” especially in critical playoff and Super Bowl moments.
December 26, 1977#Bears #Cowboys#NFCDivisional
Charlie Waters has. 3 picks
Staubach 8-3-134-1-1
Dorsett 17-85-2 2-37
Payton 19-60 3-33
37-7 #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/sgLym3Smwq— Old Time Football (@Ol_TimeFootball) December 17, 2023
Lesser known fact:
Waters holds the NFL postseason record for most career interceptions with nine. A mark that still stands today and yet to be beaten, highlighting his knack for showing up in the biggest moments when it mattered most.
✭ COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF ✭
With 100 days to go until the #Cowboys kickoff the season against the #Eagles, we are counting down with a @BloggingTheBoys Top-100 consensus ranking.We asked staffers to give in their top-100, here is:
DAY 47
Charlie Waters#DallasCowboys… pic.twitter.com/wtHeTH5Kar— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) July 19, 2025