Tony Dorsett

In 1977 the Seattle Seahawks had first pick in the draft and planned on selecting Dorsett; however, Dorsett made it clear that he did not want to play for the Seahawks organization, which was at the time struggling through its infancy as an NFL expansion team, even bluffing that he may decide to play in Canada if the Seahawks took him. Ultimately the Dallas Cowboys stepped in, trading Seattle its first round pick plus three second round picks for a chance to take Dorsett.

During his first pro season, Dorsett rushed for more than 1,000 yards, averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and scored twelve touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named the NFL Rookie of the Year. Dorsett and the Cowboys went all the way to the 1978 Super Bowl, beating the Denver Broncos, 27-10. The following season Dorsett was equally impressive, posting 1,325 rushing yards, plus an additional 378 yards receiving. Each year Dorsett methodically moved the ball down the field, rushing for 1,000-plus yards eight of his first nine seasons. Only in 1982, which was shortened by a players' strike, did he fail to achieve 1,000 yards. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1981, his fifth season in the NFL, rushing for a team-record 1,646 yards.