Don Meredith

Joseph Donald Meredith, affectionately known as "Dandy Don," was born on April 10, 1938, and left an indelible mark on American sports and entertainment. He began his journey in football as a quarterback for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs before being selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft. However, it was the Dallas Cowboys who would become his professional home, as they acquired his rights through a trade before the franchise was officially established.

Meredith became the second starting quarterback in Cowboys history, following Eddie LeBaron, and is celebrated as the first major franchise quarterback for the team. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Tom Landry, he led the Cowboys to three consecutive postseason appearances from 1966 to 1968, including back-to-back NFL Championship Game appearances in 1966 and 1967. His exceptional performance earned him a second-team All-Pro selection in 1966 and three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 1966 to 1968.

After retiring from professional football, Meredith transitioned to a successful career as a sports commentator, serving as a color analyst for NFL telecasts from 1970 to 1984. He was an original member of the Monday Night Football broadcast team, where he worked alongside the iconic Howard Cosell. His charisma and insight made him a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.

In addition to his sports career, Meredith also ventured into acting, appearing in a dozen films and seven major television shows. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as Bert Jameson in the popular series Police Story, showcasing his versatility beyond the football field.