Don Meredith (born April 10, 1938 in Mount Vernon, Texas) was an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
Drafted out of Southern Methodist University by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1960 NFL draft, Don Meredith was traded to a young Cowboys franchise for future draft picks. Meredith spent five years as a backup to Eddie LeBaron before being given the starting job by head coach Tom Landry in 1965. That same year, Meredith led the Cowboys to the NFL playoffs, something he would continue to do until his unexpected retirement in 1969. "Dandy Don", while never leading the Cowboys to an NFL Championship or a Super Bowl, has always been exceptionally popular with Cowboys fans who remember him for his grit and toughness but also his outgoing nature.
During his career, he had a 50.7% completion rate, throwing for 17,199 yards and 135 touchdowns with a lifetime quarterback rating of 74.8. He was named the NFL Player of the Year in 1966 and was named to the Pro Bowl twice.
Following his football career, Meredith became a color commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football beginning in 1970. For years, he was paired alongside Frank Gifford and Howard Cosell. Meredith retired from sportscasting after the 1984 season, a year after Cosell's retirement.
In 1976, Meredith was inducted into the Cowboys' Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium along with former running back Don Perkins.
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Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46
