When you think of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys, the "Triple Triplets" of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin usually hog the spotlight. It's easy to see why. But if you talk to anyone who actually sat in the Texas Stadium stands back then, they’ll tell you that the defense was the real engine behind those rings. Specifically, they'll talk about Kevin Smith.
The guy was a technician. He wasn't the loudest player on the field—Deion Sanders eventually took that title—but Smith was the cornerstone. He was drafted 17th overall in the 1992 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, and honestly, he hit the ground running so fast it made your head spin. He didn't just join a team; he joined a revolution. By the end of his rookie year, he was starting in Super Bowl XXVII. Think about that. Most 21-year-olds are figuring out how to pay rent, and Kevin Smith was busy breaking up passes against Jim Kelly on the biggest stage in sports.
Why Kevin Smith Was the Dynasty’s Unsung Hero
It’s kinda wild how forgotten Smith’s early dominance is. In 1993, his second year, he led the Cowboys with six interceptions. He and Larry Brown were the youngest starting cornerback duo in the league, yet they played like savvy veterans. Smith had this incredible instinct for the ball. He wasn't just fast—though a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine proved he could fly—he was physical. He’d jam you at the line and make your life miserable for 60 minutes.
During those first few years, Kevin Smith was the ultimate "lockdown" corner before that term became a tired cliché. In 1994, he led the team with 17 passes defended. He was the guy Jimmy Johnson and later Barry Switzer trusted to take away the opponent's best receiver so the rest of the defense could wreak havoc.
The 1995 Monday Night Tragedy
Then came the moment every Cowboys fan remembers with a sinking feeling in their stomach. It was the 1995 season opener. Monday Night Football. Giants Stadium.
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Smith went down. It wasn't a hit or a tackle; it was just one of those fluke non-contact injuries that changes a career in a heartbeat. He tore his Achilles tendon. Just like that, the best young corner in the game was sidelined.
The timing was surreal. Dallas had just signed Deion Sanders, and the dream was to have Smith and Prime Time on opposite sides. Can you imagine? You couldn't throw left, and you couldn't throw right. It would have been a defensive cheat code. Instead, while Deion was high-stepping, Kevin Smith was on crutches. He even appeared in a Nike commercial with Deion during his recovery, playing "The Gipper" while Prime tried to "win one" for him. It was funny, sure, but for fans, it was a glimpse of a "what if" that still hurts to talk about.
The Comeback and the Grind
Most guys don't come back from an Achilles tear in the mid-90s and play at an All-Pro level. Medicine just wasn't where it is today. But Smith was different. He worked his tail off and reclaimed his starting spot in 1996.
He didn't just "show up" either. He put up career-high numbers:
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- 5 interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown)
- 18 passes defensed (a new career high for him)
- Second-team All-Pro honors
Honestly, 1996 might have been his most impressive season because he did it on a repaired leg. He continued to lead the Cowboys in passes defensed almost every year he was healthy. He was the definition of "Cowboy Tough."
A Legacy Beyond the Star
Before he ever wore the silver and blue, Smith was a legend at Texas A&M. He still holds the Aggie record with 20 career interceptions. He was a three-time All-SWC performer and a consensus All-American. Just recently, in 2024, he was finally inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. It was long overdue.
He finished his NFL career with 19 interceptions and three Super Bowl rings. He retired in 2000 after a knee injury in training camp finally told his body it was time. He played nine seasons, all for Dallas. In an era where players jump teams for an extra million, Smith remained a Cowboy through and through.
How to Appreciate the Kevin Smith Era Today
If you’re a younger fan or just a student of the game, go back and watch the 1992 or 1993 NFC Championship games against the 49ers. Look for number 26. Don’t just watch the ball; watch how Smith handles Jerry Rice or John Taylor.
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What you should look for:
- His Positioning: He rarely got beat deep because his footwork was flawless.
- The Closing Speed: If a quarterback thought a receiver was open, Smith would erase that gap in a blink.
- Physicality: He wasn't afraid to stick his nose in the run game, finishing his career with over 300 tackles.
Today, Kevin Smith lives in the Dallas area and has found success as an entrepreneur. He’s still a fixture at games, a living reminder of a time when the Cowboys didn't just win—they dominated. He might not have the gold jacket of some of his teammates, but the dynasty doesn't happen without him.
If you want to dive deeper into that era, look up his 1991 highlights at Texas A&M. The way he returned punts and dominated the secondary is a masterclass in defensive back play. Studying his 1996 "comeback" film is also a great lesson for any athlete dealing with a major injury. It shows that while talent gets you to the NFL, it's the mental toughness that keeps you there after the wheels fall off.