Roger Staubach

Lore & Background

Before he was a Cowboy, Roger Staubach was a Heisman Trophy winner at the United States Naval Academy in 1963. His path to Dallas was delayed by four years of active Navy duty, including one tour in Vietnam. Upon his return to football in 1969, he immediately injected a new level of confidence into a franchise that had long struggled with consistency. Staubach's arrival marked the beginning of the Cowboys' golden age, building upon the foundation laid when Tom Landry was hired as head coach on December 28, 1959, and the development of a legendary supporting cast including Bob Lilly, Rayfield Wright, and Mel Renfro.

Staubach's playing style was defined by his improvisational genius and an uncanny ability to extend plays when the pocket collapsed. Unlike many quarterbacks of his era who relied strictly on the system, Staubach thrived in chaos, often scrambling for first downs or launching deep passes under duress. His leadership was not just vocal but demonstrative; he famously led 10 fourth-quarter comebacks during his career, a testament to his mental fortitude and refusal to accept defeat until the final whistle.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Louisiana Superdome was thick with humidity and tension as the clock ticked down in Super Bowl VI. The Cowboys trailed the Miami Dolphins, but Staubach stood calm amidst the chaos of the huddle. He audibled at the line, trusting his gut over the script. As the ball snapped, the pocket disintegrated instantly. Instead of panicking, Staubach rolled right, scanning the field with eyes that seemed to see in slow motion. He spotted Drew Pearson streaking down the sideline, a sliver of daylight opening up between defenders. With pressure closing in, he launched a spiral that arced perfectly over the safety's outstretched hands. The catch sealed the victory, and as Staubach raised his arms, the 'Captain Comeback' had officially arrived on the world stage.

Reader's Guide

Roger Staubach's era at the Dallas Cowboys spanned from 1969 to 1979, a period that transformed the franchise into America's Team. His playing style was characterized by exceptional mobility, improvisation, and an iron will. While he possessed a strong arm, his greatest weapon was his ability to read defenses post-snap and adjust plays on the fly, often scrambling for crucial yards to salvage third downs when the pocket collapsed. This mental fortitude defined his legacy: a quarterback who refused to accept defeat until the final whistle.

Did You Know?

• Staubach is one of only two players in NFL history to win both a Heisman Trophy and two Super Bowls (the other being Jim Plunkett).
• Sportswriters coined the phrase 'Captain Comeback' after his clutch performances, a moniker Staubach fully embraced.
• Staubach served as an officer in the United States Navy and earned a Bronze Star for his service during a single tour of duty in Vietnam.
• After retiring from football, he founded The Staubach Company, which grew into one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the US.

College Dominance and Military Service

Roger Staubach's collegiate tenure at the U.S. Naval Academy remains a landmark in sports history, culminating in his 1963 Heisman Trophy victory as the last military academy player to win the award. After an initial injury-plagued senior year, he had already established himself by leading Navy to a stunning upset over Army before President Kennedy and defeating Notre Dame for the first time in decades. His versatility extended beyond football; he captained the baseball team and played basketball, showcasing exceptional athletic breadth. Following graduation in 1965, Staubach chose to volunteer for combat duty in Vietnam rather than remain stateside. Serving as a Supply Corps officer at Chu Lai Base Area until 1967, he supervised forty-one enlisted men while navigating the complexities of war. Upon returning to the United States, he honed his skills by quarterbacking service teams against college opponents, utilizing access to professional playbooks to defeat various collegiate squads before officially entering the NFL.

NFL Career and Super Bowl Legacy

Joining the Dallas Cowboys in 1969 as their second major franchise quarterback following Don Meredith's retirement, Staubach spent his entire eleven-season career with the team. Nicknamed 'Captain Comeback' for his ability to rally teams from deficits, he led the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances, securing victories in both Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. His performance in Super Bowl VI was particularly historic, earning him Most Valuable Player honors and making him the first player ever to win both the Heisman Trophy and a Super Bowl MVP award. Over his professional tenure, he was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, cementing his status as an elite passer. Staubach's unique distinction extends further; he is one of only ten players in history to achieve the dual honor of winning the Heisman and being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, standing alone as the only quarterback to accomplish this rare feat.

Business Ventures and Real Estate Empire

After retiring from professional football, Staubach successfully transitioned into the business world by founding The Staubach Group, a prominent commercial real estate firm. His entrepreneurial acumen led to significant growth over decades, culminating in the sale of his company to Jones Lang LaSalle for $613 million in 2008. Following this major transaction, he assumed the role of executive chairman for the Americas region at Jones Lang LaSalle, a position he held until his retirement from business in 2018. This second act demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate leadership skills from the gridiron to the corporate boardroom. His success in real estate not only secured his financial legacy but also allowed him to remain a influential figure in American commerce long after his playing days had ended, proving that his impact extended far beyond the boundaries of professional sports.

National Recognition and Enduring Impact

Roger Staubach's contributions to both country and community were formally recognized with some of the nation's highest honors. In 2018, the same year he retired from his executive business role, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging his lifetime of service and achievement. His journey from a Cincinnati youth attending Catholic schools to a decorated naval officer and NFL legend is marked by unique historical intersections, such as nearly appearing on the cover of Life magazine in 1963 before President Kennedy's assassination shifted national focus. The Naval Academy honored him by retiring his jersey number 12 during his graduation ceremony, while ESPN later ranked him ninth among the greatest college football players in history. Staubach remains a singular figure who bridged the worlds of military duty, collegiate excellence, and professional sports dominance, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.

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