Drew Pearson
Dallas Cowboys Player Drew Pearson
Before the Dallas Cowboys
Drew Pearson was born in South River, New Jersey on January 12th, 1951. He began his football career at South River High School as quarterback and later moved on to the University of Tulsa in the same position as a sophomore, but was converted to wide receiver prior to the 1971 season. In his junior year, he caught 22 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns. The next year, he led his team with 33 receptions for 690 yards and three touchdowns.
During his entire college career, he caught 55 passes for 1,119 yards, six touchdowns and had a 20.3 yard average per reception.
Dallas Cowboys Career
Pearson was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Dallas Cowboys in 1973 where he quickly rose to become one of NFL’s greatest wide receivers. Pearson was named one of the Top 20 Pro Football All-Time Wide Receivers and recognized for his achievements, being named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade team. He helped the Dallas Cowboys sky rocket to three Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XII in 1978. Notably of course, Pearson also scored a touchdown in Super Bowl X.
In 1980, the Dallas Cowboys selected Pearson as their nominee for NFL Man of the Year. He is most known for historic plays like the “hail mary” reception from Roger Staubach that sealed the teams’ victory in a 1975 playoff game. He also caught a game sealing a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams playoff game in 1973 and a game winning touchdown in 1974 against the Redskins. All three are among the Top 75 Plays in NFL history.
In 1979 Pearson, Tony Hill, and Tony Dorsett helped the Cowboys become the first team in NFL History to have two 1,000 yard wide receivers and a 1,000 yard running back. He recorded 55 receptions, 1026 yards and 8 touchdowns. Pearson and Hill also became the first wide receiver tandem in the teams’ history to record 1000 yard receiving seasons in the same year.
On August 19, 2011 Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones announced that Pearson had been selected for inclusion in the highly prestigious Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. Pearson was inducted during a Cowboys-Seahawks game in November 2011. Drew Pearson was:
• Named All-Pro three times (1974, 1976, 1977)
• Pro-Bowler in 1974, 1976 and 1977
• Led the NFC in pass receptions in 1978 (58)
• Served as offensive captain for the Cowboys in 1977, 1978, 1982 and 1983
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Where is He Now?
Pearson retired in 1983, and has since worked extensively as a sports broadcaster. He is the CEO of Drew Pearson Companies who manufacture licensed headgear for sports. Drew Pearson currently lives in Plano, Texas and books speaking engagements and events around the country through PPI Marketing. Pearson is also a color commentator for the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League.
Fun Facts
• Was known as “Mr. Clutch” for his catches in games
• Wore #88 for the Dallas Cowboys, and that number is reserved only for the highest talent.
• Played basketball with Marques Haynes on a team called Harlem Magicians
• Is married to Marques Haynes daughter