Countdown to the season opener: Day 82 Walt Garrison

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 82) 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 82.

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Walt Garrison

Born: July 23, 1944. Denton, Texas
Position: Fullback
Dallas Cowboys: 1966-1974
Awards: Super Bowl champion- VI
Pro Bowl– 1972
Dallas Cowboys 25th Anniversary Team

Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Walt Garrison played fullback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1966 to 1974 after being drafted in the fifth round out of Oklahoma State. Initially drafted to be the team’s kickoff returner, the coaches soon wanted to tap into his running potential after Don Perkins’ retirement.

Known for his toughness, grit, and cowboy persona, Garrison became a fan favorite and a symbol of the hard-nosed style of football that defined the Cowboys of the late 1960s and early ’70s. He was a punishing blocker, dependable runner, and sure-handed receiver out of the backfield. Garrison helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1972. He finished his career with 3,886 yards rushing and 1,794 yards receiving. His total rushing yards is still ninth-most in Cowboys history to this day, 50 years after not playing a snap.

Sadly, Garrison died in October, 2023, at the age of 79. He was a true Cowboy to the very end in more ways than one, and social media was flooded when his passing was announced from fans, players and coaches.

Best known for:
Garrison was best known for his physical, no-nonsense playing style and for being one of the toughest fullbacks in Cowboys history, often playing through injuries and never backing down from contact.

Lesser known fact:
In addition to his NFL career, Garrison was an actual rodeo cowboy and competed in steer wrestling during the offseason, so much so that Cowboys management eventually prohibited him from rodeoing after he suffered an injury at a rodeo event.