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As we embark on day 29 of our exhilarating 99-day countdown to the highly anticipated NFL regular season, let’s delve deeper into the significance of the number 29 in football history and its connection to our favorite teams.
Among the remarkable athletes who donned the number 29 for the Dallas Cowboys is DeMarco Murray. Although he never clinched a Lombardi Trophy, his incredible performances helped elevate the team to one of its most successful seasons since their last Super Bowl victory. Along the way, Murray shattered multiple records, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. His contributions on the field made him a pivotal player in the Cowboys’ storied history, a fact that resonates with fans and analysts alike.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Born on February 12, 1988, DeMarco Murray was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Initially, he faced tough competition for playing time, being behind established running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. However, everything changed when Jones suffered an injury. In Week 6, during a game against the St. Louis Rams, Murray made history by breaking Emmitt Smith’s record for the most rushing yards in a single game for the franchise, amassing an astonishing 253 yards, averaging an incredible 10.1 yards per carry. This remarkable achievement not only secured him the starting position for the remainder of the season but also allowed him to finish his rookie year with an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry.
The 2013 season marked a significant turning point for Murray, as he recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite the Cowboys finishing the season with a disappointing 8-8 record for the third consecutive year, optimism surrounded the team as they looked to the future. Heading into 2014, they were poised for success, bolstered by one of the league’s best offensive lines. The dynamic trio of Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and DeMarco Murray was often referred to as the new ‘triplets,’ a testament to their potential for greatness.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The 2014 season kicked off with DeMarco Murray making headlines by surpassing Jim Brown’s legendary 1958 NFL record for the most consecutive 100-yard rushing games at the start of a season, achieving this feat for eight straight games. Additionally, he set a new franchise record by rushing for at least 100 yards in twelve games throughout the season, moving past Walt Garrison to secure the seventh spot on the Cowboys’ all-time rushing yards leaderboard. Concluding the season as the league’s leading rusher, Murray earned the prestigious title of First-Team All-Pro and was selected for his second Pro Bowl, marking his second consecutive season with over 1,000 rushing yards. At the end of the season, he was honored with the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award after accumulating an astonishing total of 1,845 rushing yards, breaking Emmitt Smith’s single-season record and ranking as the 18th highest in NFL history.
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