Jerry Jones proud of his two Hall of Fame defensive backs

DALLAS — It was a big and unforgettable night for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as for franchise owner Jerry Jones, who celebrated that two of his defensive players, among the best of their generation in the entire NFL, were inducted into the Hall of Fame of American football.

Linebackers Chuck Howley and DeMarcus Ware will be inducted in Canton on August 5. Safety Darren Woodson came up short in the final vote.

Along with the two former Cowboys, cornerbacks Darrell Revis and Ronde Barber will also be inducted; linebacker Zack Thomas, who spent one season with Dallas; and offensive lineman Joe Thomas, to round out a defensive-leaning Hall of Fame generation.

Howley was the first defensive end to win MVP recognition in a Super Bowl (V), despite the Cowboys losing 16-13 to the Indianapolis Colts.

Howley played 13 of his 15 NFL seasons for the Cowboys, who signed him as a free agent in 1961 from the Chicago Bears, where he had left with a knee injury that kept him from playing in the 1960 season.

“As one of the key members of the feared ‘Doomsday Defense’ and one of the best linebackers to ever play the game, it is a great honor that Chuck Howley was long overdue,” said current Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones. “There was never, and may never be, another player who was in his prime in the biggest games like Chuck was.”

“His speed and athleticism made him one of the most versatile defenders of his day,” he added. “It was a testament to his impact on the game when Chuck was named Super Bowl MVP, even though he lost the game. Congratulations to Chuck and the Howley family on this great honor.”

DeMarcus Ware was drafted in the first round of the 2005 Draft out of Troy State University, where he played defensive end.

He was never one of the top NFL prospects of his college generation, until then-Dallas coach Bill Parcells saw him in Senior Bowl practice and thought he could work in the NFL as an outside linebacker.

“I couldn’t be more proud and happy for this well-deserved recognition for DeMarcus Ware,” said Jerry Jones. “His approach to his game, on and off the field, embodied all the traits necessary to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

“He was a fierce quarterback rusher on the field and a true leader and role model in the locker room and in the community.”

Ware played for the Cowboys from 2005 to 2013, when he was released for salary cap reasons and after suffering multiple injuries in his last two years with the organization, for which he is a consultant and community employee to this day.

He played his last three years of his career with the Denver Broncos, before retiring as champion at the end of Super Bowl 50.

He is the player with the most sacks (138.5) in Cowboys history and ninth all-time in the NFL. He was named to the 1950s All-Year Team after nine Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro designations.

“We knew from the moment he stepped onto the practice field that DeMarcus was destined for greatness,” Jones said. “The extra effort and time he put into the practice he taught everyone. His ability and greatness from him also helped develop our own offensive line that had to face him every day.”

“DeMarcus earned this very rare and special place in NFL history every day of his career, and it’s truly amazing that he is now being recognized in the Hall of Fame.”

Now there are 22 NFL characters who reach the Hall of Fame for their achievements with the Cowboys.