Back in the glory days of yesteryear, in 1973, the Cowboys drafted a speed pass rusher out of East Texas State named Harvey Martin. In training game, the coaches saw a talented defensive end, 6'5" with long arms and a sub 4.6 40 speed. They said he needed to more aggressive on the field and the rookie listened. He started to show he was the best pash rushing DE on the team, but Tom Landry never started rookies.
Thus, Landry made him the designated pass rusher and for two years, he led the team in sacks. He was instant lightning on an older DL. In 1974, Too Tall Jones was the #1 pick in the draft and he also for one year became a designated pass rusher. They called the duo Lightning and Thunder.
In 1975, both became starters on a team with the best draft haul in history. They charged the team into the Super Bowl.
Harvey Martin became THE pass rush terror every opposing team dreaded to see. He was a leader on the field, fiery and put some emotion to the new Doomsday Defense.
In 1977, Harvey had a career year with 23 sacks in 14 games. Next to him was Randy White who also has double digit sacks. Harvey was voted the NFL defensive MVP in 1977 and helped the Boys to win the Super Bowl. He was unstoppable all year long including the Super Bowl. For those who remember Demarcus Ware's best year, Harvey Martin's in 1977 was to me the greatest pass-rushing RDE or any position performance in Cowboys' history.
This year, we just drafted Sam Williams who wants to be known as De Williams. Watching this Williams pass rushing prowess reminds me of the Harvey Martin who became the idol of so many young Cowboys fans back in the glory days of yesteryear.
ED TOO TALL JONES
