Top 10 things to know about Drew Pearson – The Original 88

Drew Pearson is my all time favorite Dallas Cowboy player. Why? He lives in the trenches with fans like you and me. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about “The Original 88.” Read until the end to learn his unique Hall of Fame bust attribute.

1. Drew Was Never Drafted — But He Became a Hall of Famer

Drew Pearson entered the NFL in 1973 as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa. He earned a roster spot through special teams and eventually became one of the most respected receivers in football history. His journey remains one of the greatest underdog stories in NFL history.

2. He Helped Define What 88 Means in Dallas

Long before the modern era of Cowboys receivers, Pearson helped establish jersey #88 as one of football’s iconic numbers. His success created the foundation for later stars to continue the legacy.

3. He Started College as a Quarterback

Many fans know Pearson as an elite receiver, but at college he began as a quarterback before converting to wide receiver. That transition unlocked his athletic potential and changed football history.

4. He Was a Multi-Sport Athlete

Drew Pearson wasn’t only a football player growing up — he also competed in baseball and developed as an all-around athlete before focusing on football. This was pivotal in his ability to contribute athletically in multile ways.

5. He Created One of the NFL’s Most Famous Moments: The Hail Mary

One of the most legendary plays in league history came when Pearson caught a last-second touchdown pass from Roger Staubach against Minnesota in the 1975 playoffs. That play became forever associated with the term “Hail Mary.”

6. His Playoff Numbers Were Elite

Drew Pearson didn’t just perform in regular season games. In 22 playoff appearances, he totaled 68 catches, 1,131 yards, and 8 touchdowns — proving he delivered in the biggest moments.

7. He Won a Super Bowl with Dallas

Drew Pearson played in three Super Bowls and earned a championship ring with the Cowboys during Super Bowl XII. Bringing the first Lombardi Trophy to Dallas

8. He Led by example

God given talent is one thing, but the ability to become a leader of men speaks volumes. His on and off the field behavior helped shape a winning culture for America’s Team.

9. His Career Resume Was Hall of Fame Worthy

Drew Pearson finished his 10 year career with:

• 489 receptions
• 7,822 receiving yards
• 48 touchdowns
• 3× Pro Bowl selections
• 3× First-Team All-Pro honors
• NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021

10. His Hall of Fame Journey Took Decades — And Made the Moment Even Bigger

Drew Pearson waited years for his Hall of Fame recognition before finally being inducted in Canton in 2021. His selection became one of football’s most celebrated Hall of Fame stories because of both his career and perseverance. I was fortunate to attend his induction here.

Closing Question for Cowboys Fans

Which Drew Pearson moment defines “The Original 88” for you — the Hail Mary, the Hall of Fame speech, or building the #88 legacy in Dallas? Why do we call Drew Pearson “The Orginal 88” if he was not the first to wear it? Learn all this and more with the Dallas Cowboys 88 Legacy Lineage explained. Oh yeah, Drew has the BIGGEST afro in the NFL Pro Footbal HOF. One of one baby!

This post was brought to you by my Raise The Bar and State Board of Governors Patreon memberships in May. Join an exclusive group of Cowboys fans helping create my 88 Behavior this 2026 NFL season. Learn how to compete for your chance to win a deep sea fishing trip to Alaska in 2027! Join my Patreon FREE for a limitied time. Thank you to my official 2026 sponsor TurfCaps. 

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