Eugene Lockhart: the best Dallas Cowboys player to wear No. 56, stuck between two dynasties

# Why No. 56 matters here

# Eugene Lockhart's case Lockhart was a sixth-round pick out of the University of Houston in 1984 (152nd overall). He began as a reserve, then stepped into the starting middle linebacker job when Bob Breunig suffered a back injury that led to Breunig's retirement. Lockhart became the first rookie in Cowboys history to start at middle linebacker and made the All-Rookie Team.

Lockhart never became a household-name superstar, but he earned a reputation as a steady, hard-hitting linebacker. Crucially, he recorded 200 tackles in a single season — identified here as the first time a Dallas Cowboy reached that mark — which is cited as a defining statistical achievement supporting his selection as the best No. 56.

# Who else wore No. 56 The list of Dallas players to wear 56 is long and includes:

• Bradlee Anae, Reggie Barnes, Rodrigo Barnes, Cooper Beebe
• Justin Durant, Jayrone Elliott, Dante Fowler, Randall Godfrey
• Orantes Grant, Harold Hays, Thomas Henderson, Joe Jackson
• Bradie James, Datone Jones, Bob Long, Jack Patera
• Bill Roe, John Roper, Keith Smith, Thomas Stincic
• Korey Toomer, Jason Vega, Dekoda Watson, Martez Wilson

Bradie James is recognized here as the runner-up. James had a nine-year Cowboys career (2003–2011), leading the team in tackles for six straight seasons (2005–2010) and posting five consecutive seasons with more than 100 tackles. That consistent production places him just behind Lockhart for the No. 56 honor.

# Context: a player between dynasties The term "stuck in between dynasties" describes Lockhart's era. He played on Cowboys teams in the 1980s that were neither the dominant 1970s squads nor the later 1990s championship teams. That context frames his contributions: impactful at the position and notable in team records, but on rosters that did not achieve the franchise's highest postseason success.

# Bottom line Eugene Lockhart is the pick for best Dallas Cowboy to wear No. 56. The decision rests on his All-Rookie start at middle linebacker, his physical reputation, and the team milestone of a 200-tackle season. Thomas Henderson remains the best-known No. 56, and Bradie James is the statistical runner-up, but Lockhart's combination of early opportunity, durability, and single-season production earns him the top spot.