NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 45: Don Meredith

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

45. Don Meredith

Selected in the third round by the Chicago Bears in the 1960 NFL Draft out of SMU but traded to the expansion Dallas Cowboys, Don Meredith became the franchise’s first star quarterback, signing a personal services contract before the team even existed.

Over nine seasons with the Cowboys from 1960 to 1968, Meredith spent his first two years backing up Eddie LeBaron before taking over as starter in 1963. He transformed the struggling team, leading them to their first winning season in 1966 with career-highs of 2,805 yards and 24 touchdowns.

That year, Dallas reached the NFL Championship Game, falling 34-27 to the Green Bay Packers after a late interception. In 1967, he guided them back to the title game—the infamous “Ice Bowl“—losing 21-17 in frigid conditions. Meredith earned three straight Pro Bowl selections from 1966 to 1968 and second-team All-Pro in 1966.

Meredith’s career totals stand at 17,199 passing yards, 135 touchdowns and 111 interceptions across 104 games (83 starts), with a 50.7 percent completion rate and 74.8 passer rating. He added 1,216 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

Meredith’s standout attributes were his grit, toughness under pressure, and charismatic leadership, endearing him to fans as “Dandy Don” with his brash personality that mirrored Dallas’ emerging swagger.

Retiring abruptly at 31 before the 1969 season due to physical and mental exhaustion, Meredith transitioned to broadcasting fame on Monday Night Football, earning the Pete Rozelle Award in 2007.

He was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1976.

But who ranks ahead of Meredith at No. 44 all-time?