Part of the Greatest Players by Number Series

Jersey #45

Eight players have worn #45, including three running backs, three defensive backs, a tight end, and a receiver/cornerback.

L.G. Dupre, RB, Baylor, 1960-61

Statistics: Dupre rushed for 422 with three touchdown in Dallas.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played two seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: Dupre was the first starting halfback with the Cowboys. He was an important part of the Colts in the late 1950s but was near the end of his career when he joined the Cowboys.

Richmond Flowers, S, Tennessee, 1969-71

Statistics: Flowers recovered one fumble with the Cowboys.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: Flowers played three seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: A second round pick, Flowers was converted from a receiver to a safety when he arrived in Dallas. He was a part-time starter but generally had trouble developing. He was traded to the Giants during the 1971 season.

Manny Hendrix, CB, Utah, 1986-91

Statistics: Hendrix recorded two interceptions with Dallas.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played six seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: Hendrix was a converted basketball player who started several games at cornerback with the Cowboys. He was one of the few players to survive the Landry/Johnson transition, and he remained with the team until the end of the 1991 season.

Larry Robinson, RB, Tennessee, 1973

Statistics: Robinson averaged 21.5 yards on four kickoff returns.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played one season in Dallas.

Intangibles: Robinson was another basketball player that the Cowboys signed as a free agent. He played sparingly as a returner but was released after the 1973 season, his only as a pro.

Mike Solwold, TE, Wisconsin, 2001

Statistics: Solwold did not record any notable stats.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played part of one season in Dallas.

Intangibles: He also played briefly with Tampa Bay and Baltimore.

Nicky Sualua, FB, Ohio State, 1997-98

Statistics: Sualua did not record any notable stats.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played two seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: Sualua is unfortunately best remembered for being with Mark Tuinei with the former tackle died of a drug overdose. As a player, Sualua did very little, though he started a game in replacement of an injured Daryl Johnston.

Steve Wilson, WR/CB, Howard, 1979-81

Statistics: Wilson recorded six interceptions with the Cowboys. As a receiver, he also caught three passes for 76 yards.

Accolades: None with Dallas.

Longevity: He played three seasons in Dallas.

Intangibles: Wilson was signed as a wide receiver but moved to defensive back after his rookie season. He started several games in 1980 and 1981 but was released prior to the 1982 season. He signed with Denver and enjoyed a six-year career with the Broncos.

Rolly Woolsey, DB, Boise State, 1975

Statistics: Woolsey averaged 20.6 yards on 12 kickoff returns.

Accolades: None.

Longevity: He played one season in Dallas.

Intangibles: Woolsey was part of the Dirty Dozen in 1975. A fast player, he moved on to play with Seattle, St. Louis, and Cleveland.

Poll

Here is your chance to vote for the greatest player to wear #45:

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My Vote: Hendrix

There are not many good choices here, though several of these players were multi-talented. I went with Hendrix due largely to his longevity. I remember him as a good athlete who made the difficult transition from college basketball to pro football. He has been involved with Utah athletics since his retirement.