Joseph Don “Dandy Don” Meredith was an American football quarterback, sports commentator and actor. He spent all nine seasons of his professional playing career (1960-1968) with the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was an NFL MVP and named to the Pro Bowl in each of his last three years as a player. He subsequently became a color analyst for NFL telecasts from 1970-1984. As an original member of the Monday Night Football broadcast team on ABC, he famously played the role of Howard Cosell’s comic foil.

Don Meredith is often times referred to as the original Dallas Cowboy. He was signed to the team before they had a coach, a stadium or even a nickname. He played a nine year career entirely with the Cowboys before retiring. He led the team to two NFL championship games, including one of the most famous games in sports history, the legendary “Ice Bowl” against the Green Bay Packers. Though he never led the Cowboys to the Super Bowl, he was regarded in high esteem by fans and fellow players alike. He led the expansion team to many of their first accomplishments in a storied franchise including their first playoffs birth and first winning season.

During his career, Meredith had a 50.7 percent completion rate, throwing for 17,199 yards and 135 touchdowns with a lifetime passer rating of 74.8. He was named the NFL Player of the Year in 1966 and was named to the Pro Bowl three times. According to the NFL, the longest pass with no yards after catch was his 83 yard pass to Bob Hayes.