Part of the Greatest Players by Number Series

Jersey #38

Seven players have worn #38, including four defensive backs, two running backs, and a kicker.

Note: Roy Williams will wear #38 beginning in 2008. I included him with #31, so he is not listed here.

Sam Baker, P/K, Oregon State, 1962-63

Statistics: Baker averaged 44.7 yards per punt and made 48.9% of his field goals.

Accolades: He made the Pro Bowl once with Dallas and otherwise a total of four times.

Longevity: Of his 15 years in the NFL, Baker played two in Dallas.

Intangibles: Baker was a great punter, a good kicker, and also a running back. He was known for raising hell off the field, which is why Dallas traded him to Philadelphia prior to the 1964 season.

Obvious Note: This Sam Baker should not be confused with USC tackle Sam Baker, who was selected by Atlanta in this year’s draft.

Ron Francis, CB, Baylor, 1987-90

Statistics: Francis had four interceptions with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played four seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: The Baylor graduate was a second round pick in 1987 but started just 17 games during his career. Many of his problems were due to injury.

Chris Hall, S, East Carolina, 1993

Statistics: None.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played one season in Dallas, mostly on the practice squad.

Intangibles: The former ninth round pick was cut in 1992 but brought back in 1993, which was his only season as a pro.

Duane Hawthorne, CB, Northern Illinois, 1999-02

Statistics: Hawthorne had six interceptions with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played four seasons in Dallas before being released.

Intangibles: Hawthorne developed into a starter by 2001, his third season in the league, but he was released during the following season.

David Lang, RB, Northern Arizona, 1995

Statistics: Lang had one carry for seven yards with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played one season in Dallas.

Intangibles: Lang was a part-time starter with the Rams before joining the Cowboys, but he did very little in Dallas.

Lynn Scott, S, Northwestern Oklahoma, 2001-05

Statistics: Scott had 41 tackles and one interception with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played five seasons with Dallas.

Intangibles: Scott started several games in 2004, the team’s first without Darren Woodson. However, he lacked speed and was never considered a long-term solution at strong or free safety.

John Williams, FB, Wisconsin, 1985

Statistics: Williams gained 40 yards in 13 carried with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played in part of one season with Dallas.

Intangibles: Williams was once a USFL player before he signed with Dallas. He later played with Seattle, New Orleans, and Indianapolis.

Poll

Here are the results of the poll for this number:

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If you still want to vote, please make a comment below.

My Vote: Baker

My paycheck might tell me to go with Francis, but Baker is the only Pro Bowler on this list. His 45.4 yards-per-punt average in 1962 stood along as a record until Mat McBriar broke it in 2006. McBriar and Baker are currently tied for the highest career average with Dallas, with both averaging 44.7 yards-per-punt.

Francis, Hawthorne, and Scott really never did much, though each started a few games.