Danny White Cowboys Quarterback - A Look Back

When you think about the Dallas Cowboys, certain names just pop into your head, and for a good many folks, the name Danny White probably comes up as a key part of that conversation, especially when we talk about quarterbacks. His time with the team, you know, it spans a pretty significant chunk of their history, bringing a unique flavor to the way they played. He was, in a way, a bridge between different eras, standing tall for the team through many seasons.

This look back will shine a light on his important contributions, his playing style, and just where he fits in the grand story of the team's signal-callers, giving us a clearer picture of his impact. You see, his story is quite interesting, considering the big names he followed and the ones who came after him. It’s a tale of dedication and playing a tough position for a very well-known football club.

We'll explore his journey from college football to becoming a key figure for the Cowboys, looking at his on-field performance and the various roles he held. It's almost as if his career had several different acts, each one showing a different side of his skills and his commitment to the team. So, let's take a closer look at the path of Danny White, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.

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Danny White Cowboys Quarterback - A Life in Football

Wilford Daniel White, who came into the world on February 9, 1952, is an American former professional football player. He spent a good deal of his professional playing time, thirteen seasons in fact, with the Dallas Cowboys. He filled two very important roles for the team, serving as both their quarterback and, for a time, their punter. It's pretty unusual, actually, for someone to handle both of those jobs at the professional level, showing a wide range of athletic gifts.

He was, in a way, a significant figure in the history of the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the third main quarterback to really lead the team over an extended period. This came after two other well-known names, Roger Staubach and Don Meredith, had held that spot. So, you can see, he stepped into some pretty big shoes, more or less taking on a lot of responsibility right from the start of his time as the team's primary passer.

Personal Details and Bio Data - Danny White, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback

DetailInformation
Full NameWilford Daniel White
BornFebruary 9, 1952
Position(s)Quarterback, Punter
Professional Career13 seasons (all with Dallas Cowboys)
NFL Draft1974, Third Round
CollegeArizona State
College Hall of FameInducted

What was Danny White's Role with the Dallas Cowboys?

For a number of years, especially early on, Danny White held a rather interesting dual role for the Dallas Cowboys. After joining the team in 1976, following the folding of the World Football League, he wasn't immediately the main quarterback. No, for a while, through 1979, he was the team's punter, handling those crucial kicks that change field position. He also served as the backup to the team's big star quarterback at the time, Roger Staubach. So, he had a very hands-on role, always ready to step in if needed.

Then, a bit later, the situation changed. After some plays by another quarterback, Hogeboom, didn't quite work out, the coach, Tom Landry, decided to put White back in as the main starter. This showed a lot of trust in Danny White's ability to lead the offense. It’s almost like he was always there, waiting for his chance to truly take the reins and guide the team's efforts on the field.

How Did Danny White Become the Dallas Cowboys Quarterback?

The path Danny White took from his college days at Arizona State to becoming the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys was, in a way, quite unique and perhaps a little winding. It made even San Francisco's Lombard Street, known for its twists and turns, look like a straight road. He was chosen in the third round of the 1974 NFL draft, which, you know, is a pretty good spot, but it didn't mean immediate playing time at the most important position.

The chances of White seeing a lot of action as a quarterback during his first year were, basically, lessened quite a bit because of the presence of veteran quarterbacks already on the team, particularly Roger Staubach. So, he had to wait his turn and prove himself, learning from those who had been there before. It really goes to show that even talented players sometimes have to be patient and work their way up, which is a lesson for anyone in any field, actually.

Danny White Cowboys Quarterback - A Look at His Playing Days

Danny White spent a total of thirteen seasons playing for the Dallas Cowboys, which is a pretty long stretch for any professional athlete, especially in such a demanding sport. During his time on the field, he sent the ball down the field for a grand total of 21,959 yards, showing his ability to move the offense forward through the air. He also connected for 155 touchdowns, putting points on the board for his team. You can really see, looking at those numbers, that he was a consistent presence for the team's offense.

He was, in fact, chosen to be part of the league's top players in one special game, the Pro Bowl, which is a recognition of his skill. And, to top it off, he was part of a team that won a championship, which is, of course, the ultimate goal for any player. His playing days were filled with moments where he showed his toughness and his knack for making plays, even when things got a little rough.

What Were Some of Danny White's Key Achievements as a Dallas Cowboys Quarterback?

Danny White, as the main quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, put together a fine run during his time, fitting in between the eras of Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. He had several seasons where he really showed his passing prowess, throwing for over 3,000 yards and getting 20 touchdowns four different times. That’s a pretty good measure of a quarterback's ability to consistently move the ball and score points for his team, so, you know, he was definitely getting the job done.

Beyond the individual numbers, his leadership helped the Cowboys reach the playoffs for five consecutive years while he was their starting quarterback. That's a pretty remarkable streak of consistent success for any team, showing that he was a key part of their ability to compete at a high level year after year. It really speaks to his influence on the team's overall performance, actually, and his steady hand in guiding the offense.

How Do Danny White's Stats as a Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Stack Up?

When you look at the raw numbers, Danny White completed a good portion of his passes during his career. He finished with 1,705 completions out of 2,847 attempts, which gives him a completion rate of 59.9%. That's a pretty solid percentage, showing his accuracy in getting the ball to his receivers. He averaged 200.3 yards through the air per contest, meaning he was consistently contributing a good amount of passing offense in each game he played, which is, in a way, a sign of his steady production.

For his entire career, White accumulated a grand total of 21,229 yards through the air, with 152 touchdowns and 126 interceptions. His touchdown percentage, which measures how often his passes resulted in scores, was 5.3%, and his interception percentage, which tracks how often his passes were picked off, was 4.4%. These figures, you know, give us a pretty good idea of his effectiveness and how he managed the ball while leading the Dallas Cowboys offense. You can view the most current football statistics for Danny White, quarterback, for the Dallas Cowboys at the football database, which really puts all these numbers into perspective.

Danny White Cowboys Quarterback - His Place in Team Lore

Danny White will always hold a pretty unique spot in the stories and history of the Dallas Cowboys. He was, in his own right, a very capable quarterback, someone who could lead the team and make important plays. Yet, in some respects, his career has been, you know, somewhat overshadowed because he was the one who followed a Hall of Fame quarterback. It's like being the act that comes after a legendary performer; it's a tough spot to be in, even if you're really good yourself.

If you were to ask many Cowboys fans who they consider to be among the very top quarterbacks in the team's long history, the names that typically come up are Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott. This list, you know, often leaves Danny White out, even though he had a very successful period with the team. It's almost as if his consistent performance, because it didn't include a Super Bowl win, has led to him being overlooked a bit in the team's bigger stories.

Was Danny White an Overlooked Dallas Cowboys Quarterback?

It's fair to say that because he never actually won a Super Bowl, Danny White has, in a way, often been overlooked when people talk about the greatest Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks. He was, after all, sandwiched between two very famous names, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, both of whom did win championships. This makes it a bit harder for his contributions to stand out in the same way, which is, you know, a bit of a shame given his solid performance.

Danny White was also among the last of the Cowboys quarterbacks who played during the era of Coach Tom Landry, alongside the 1988 starter, Steve Pelluer. This means he was part of a transition period for the team, which can sometimes make it harder for a player to get the full recognition they deserve. He was a steady hand during a time that saw some changes for the team, and that, too, is something worth noting.

Danny White Cowboys Quarterback - Life After the Field

Danny White's playing career, like many athletes, saw its share of bumps and bruises. He suffered injuries during the 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988 seasons, which, you know, limited the number of games he was able to start and play in. These kinds of setbacks can really affect a player's ability to maintain consistency and, sadly, sometimes even cut short a promising run. It’s a tough part of the game, for sure.

After his professional playing days were over, Danny White didn't completely step away from football. In 2017, he actually returned to the Arizona State University football program, where he had played his college ball. He took on a role as a consultant and also as an ambassador, working with Sun Devil Athletics and the Sun Devil Club. This shows, you know, his continued passion for the sport and his willingness to give back to the place where his football journey truly began.

This article has explored the career of Danny White, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, covering his biography, his various roles on the team, how he became the starting signal-caller, and his playing statistics. We looked at his achievements, his place in the team's history, and his life after his time on the field. The discussion also touched upon whether he has been overlooked in the broader narrative of Cowboys quarterbacks.

Cowboys Danny White | Dallas cowboys football team, Dallas cowboys

Cowboys Danny White | Dallas cowboys football team, Dallas cowboys

Quarterback Roger Staubach and Danny WHite of the Dallas Cowboys talk

Quarterback Roger Staubach and Danny WHite of the Dallas Cowboys talk

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White gets a helping hand from

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White gets a helping hand from

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