Part of the Greatest Players by Number Series

Jersey #5

Only two Cowboys have worn the number 5, including a punter and a quarterback.

2012 Update: The list now also includes quarterback Brooks Bollinger.

John Warren, P, Tennessee, 1983-84

Statistics: Warren had 60 punts in two seasons with Dallas and averaged 39.2 punts per game.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: Although Danny White remained the team’s primary punter in 1983 and 1984, the Cowboys also had Warren and Jim Miller. White relinquished his punting duties for good in 1985 when the team signed Mike Saxon.

Intangibles: I doubt that many people remember Warren. After White was injured in the 1982 NFC Championship Game and had nobody to replace him (other than Rafael Septien), I recall discussion that it was too dangerous for him to be the team’s only punter. However, I only vaguely remember Warren.

Clint Stoerner, QB, Arkansas, 2000-02

Statistics: Stoerner appeared in six games and had two starts in three seasons with Dallas. He completed 29 of 54 passes for 367 yards with 4 TDs and 5 Ints.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: Stoerner was a backup for most of his three seasons in Dallas. He later played in the Arena Football League.

Intangibles: For a few years, Stoerner was an underdog and fan favorite, similar to Kevin Sweeney and Tony Romo (and with results much more like Sweeney’s). He led the Cowboys to a 17-3 win over Arizona in 2001 and led the Cowboys to a 24-7 halftime advantage over the Giants during the following week. However, four Stoerner interceptions helped New York tie the game, and the Giants won in overtime. Stoerner never started another game for Dallas or any other NFL team.

Poll

Here are the results of the poll for this number:

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My Vote: Stoerner

Not much of a choice here, given the competition between a backup punter and a backup quarterback. At the very least, Stoerner led Dallas to a win as a starting quarterback, which is just enough for the great prestige of this award.

2012 Update

Brooks Bollinger, QB, Wisconsin, 2008

Bollinger played in two games for the Cowboys during a disappointing 2008 season.

Dan Bailey, K, Oklahoma State, 2011-present

Bailey won the job as the team’s placekicker for the 2011 season, and he had a solid season by making 32 of 37 attempts.