Roger Staubach

Winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1963, Roger Staubach established himself as a formidable collegiate quarterback for the Navy Midshipmen. His remarkable 1963 season also earned him the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Memorial Trophy, leading the team to an impressive 9-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking. Following his graduation in 1965, Staubach fulfilled his military commitment, including a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam as a Supply Corps officer, before embarking on his professional football career.

Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969, a unique entry into the NFL following his military service. Over his 11-season professional career, exclusively with the Cowboys, he became renowned for his dynamic leadership and clutch performances, earning nicknames like ‘Roger the Dodger,’ ‘Captain America,’ and ‘Captain Comeback.’ He led the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl VI in 1972, where he was named MVP, and Super Bowl XII in 1978. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Staubach also received the Bert Bell Award (1971) and was named NFL Man of the Year (1978). He retired in March 1980 with the highest career passer rating in NFL history at the time, and is credited with coining the term ‘Hail Mary pass’ after a crucial play during the 1975 playoffs.

His career demonstrates a unique blend of high-performance leadership, strategic foresight, and entrepreneurial success, distinguishing him as a leader both on the field and in the boardroom.