Don Meredith Football Career and Legacy

By Sarah Miller · March 17, 2046

Don Meredith was a pioneering American football quarterback best known for his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s, where he helped transform the franchise into a powerhouse and later became a groundbreaking NFL broadcaster.

Who Was Don Meredith?

Don Meredith, affectionately known as "Dandy" Don Meredith, was an American professional football player and sportscaster who played quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1968. Born on April 10, 1938, in Mount Vernon, Texas, Meredith rose from a small-town background to become one of the most charismatic figures in early NFL history. His leadership laid the foundation for the Cowboys' dominance in the 1970s, even before the team earned its first Super Bowl victory.

Meredith was a two-time NFL Champion (1966, 1967) and a three-time Pro Bowler (1966–1968). Known for his cool demeanor under pressure and strong arm, he led the Cowboys to their first two NFL Championship appearances. After retiring from football at age 31, he transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a key figure on Monday Night Football alongside Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford, helping popularize prime-time NFL games.

College Career and Early Life

SMU Standout Quarterback

Meredith played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he excelled as a dual-threat quarterback. Over his collegiate career, he threw for over 2,500 yards and rushed for more than 1,000, showcasing the athleticism and improvisational skills that would define his pro career.

Played for SMU from 1957 to 1959
Named First-Team All-Southwest Conference in 1958 and 1959
Known for leadership and clutch performances
Inducted into SMU Hall of Fame in 1984

NFL Playing Career

Rise of the Dallas Cowboys

Selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft, Meredith joined an expansion team that had won only one game in its inaugural season. He quickly became the starting quarterback and led a dramatic turnaround.

First winning season for Cowboys in 1966 (10–3–1)
Guided team to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1966 and 1967
Led league in touchdown passes in 1966 (24 TDs)
Retired unexpectedly after 1968 season at age 31

Season	Team	Games	Pass Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
1966	Dallas Cowboys	14	2,462	24	12	89.5
1967	Dallas Cowboys	14	2,313	19	18	77.2
1968	Dallas Cowboys	12	1,991	15	15	75.4

Table data source:1

The table highlights Meredith's peak performance during the mid-to-late 1960s. In 1966, he posted a career-high 24 touchdowns with a strong QB rating of 89.5, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. While his 1967 and 1968 seasons saw increased interceptions, he remained among the league’s top passers during a period when the Cowboys consistently competed for titles.

Broadcasting Legacy

Revolutionizing NFL Television

After retiring from football, Meredith joined ABC’s Monday Night Football in 1970, forming a legendary trio with Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford. His folksy charm and spontaneous singing of “Turn Out the Lights, the Party’s Over” after losing teams were defeated became iconic.

Served as color commentator from 1970 to 1984
Helped make Monday Night Football a cultural phenomenon
Won multiple Emmy Awards for sports broadcasting
Paved the way for athlete-turned-broadcaster roles

Meredith brought authenticity and humor to the booth, balancing Cosell’s bombast with down-home Texas wit. His presence made football accessible to casual fans and expanded the NFL’s national audience.

Legacy and Honors

Though never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Meredith’s impact on the game is widely recognized. He was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team and remains a revered figure in Cowboys history.

NFL 1960s All-Decade Team (1969)
Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor (1976)
Texas Sports Hall of Fame (1985)
Cowboys’ first franchise quarterback to lead team to sustained success

Meredith’s legacy endures through his contributions both on the field and in the broadcast booth, symbolizing a bridge between eras in professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Meredith Football

What years did Don Meredith play in the NFL?

Don Meredith played in the NFL from 1960 to 1968, all with the Dallas Cowboys. He retired abruptly after the 1968 season at the age of 31, despite still being in his prime.

Why was Don Meredith called 'Dandy' Don?

He earned the nickname "Dandy" Don for his stylish appearance, smooth personality, and flair both on and off the field. The name reflected his confident, charismatic persona that stood out in the conservative culture of 1960s professional sports.

Did Don Meredith win a Super Bowl?

No, Don Meredith did not win a Super Bowl. He led the Cowboys to NFL Championships in 1966 and 1967, but they lost Super Bowl V (played in January 1971) after his retirement. The Cowboys won their first Super Bowl in 1972, following his playing career.

What team did Don Meredith play for?

Don Meredith played his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1968. He was the team’s first star quarterback and instrumental in establishing their identity as “America’s Team.”

How did Don Meredith impact football broadcasting?

Don Meredith revolutionized sports broadcasting as a color commentator on Monday Night Football from 1970 to 1984. His natural charisma, humor, and ability to connect with viewers helped turn the program into a national institution and set the standard for future analyst roles in NFL coverage.