Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine

Thirty-six years ago today, the Cowboys would draft the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Dallas sent the No. 21 overall pick and their third-rounder to Pittsburgh for the 17th selection. With that, the team then grabbed none other than Emmitt Smith, whose laundry list of records and awards eventually landed him in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was featured on the May 1990 issue of Dallas Cowboys Weekly, his first of many covers.

The 2026 Star Magazine Draft Guide is out now! 📖

Over 100 in-depth scouting reports, a history lesson on the last time we had 2 first round picks, our annual first-round Mock Draft, and more!

➡️ dallascowboys.com/news/star-magazine

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Flashback to our April 1978 cover heralding the great Gil Brandt as the V.P. of the Draft. And he proved as much again that year, selecting Dennis Thurman in the 11th round. As the leader of "Thurman's Thieves," he totaled 36 career interceptions, which is still fourth all-time in team history. Oh, and it's Thurman's birthday today! Find out more about this year's draft with our 2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide at https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/star-magazine/.