We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 56) 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 running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.
Today – number 56.
Jay Novacek
Born: October 24, 1962. Martin, South Dakota
Position: Tight end
Dallas Cowboys: 1990-1996
Awards: Super Bowl champion- XXVII, XXVIII, XXX
All-Pro- 1991, 1992
Pro Bowl– 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Jay Novacek played tight end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 1995, joining the team as a free agent after a quiet start to his career in St. Louis. In Dallas, Novacek flourished as a vital weapon in the passing game and as an integral part of the run game that became so formidable in the 1990’s. He would become a favorite target of quarterback Troy Aikman, throwing to his reliable target in high pressure moments. Known for his sure hands, precise route running, and ability to find soft spots in coverage, Novacek earned five straight Pro Bowl selections and helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls during the team’s 1990s dynasty.
In Super Bowl XXX, no one knew it at the time, but this would be Jay Novacek’s final touchdown for Dallas and he would retire the next year.
The Cowboys would go to win the competition and would be their last appearance at the Super Bowl.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/fFQW2HoXaK
— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) June 3, 2024
Best known for:
Novacek was best known for being a dependable and clutch receiving tight end during the Cowboys’ Super Bowl run in the ’90s, serving as a key third-down and red-zone target in a star-studded offense.
Troy Aikman completed an incredible 23 of 30 passes (76.7%) for 337 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.
Jay Novacek, Michael Irvin and Alvin Harper all had more than 100 yards receiving. pic.twitter.com/6hBmWnghYk
— 90’s Dallas Cowboys (@90s_cowboys) January 9, 2023
Lesser known fact:
Before becoming an NFL standout, Novacek was a college track and field All-American in the decathlon and pole vault at Wyoming, setting school records. This athletic versatility helped shape his fluid, agile style as a receiving tight end.
✭ 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 56
Jay Novacek#DallasCowboys… pic.twitter.com/BVvBzoAgBE— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) July 10, 2025