Dave Edwards (American football)

David Monroe Edwards (born December 14, 1939 in Columbia, Alabama) is a former American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.

Early years
Edwards attended Abbeville High School (Alabama) and went on to play college football at Auburn University. At 6'1" and 198 lbs, he was a two-way player at End, that was a starter since his sophomore year. He made his biggest impact as a versatile player that could be used as a skillful receiver or as an accomplished tackler. As a senior he was named to the All-SEC team.

In 1962 he played in the Senior Bowl. In that game, Tom Landry coached the opposing team (North).

In 1988, Edwards was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career
Edwards was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1962 American Football League Draft, but instead of playing for the Broncos, he chose to sign with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 1963. He started out as an offensive end, and was later converted to outside linebacker after he grew from 205 to 230 lbs. His teammates nicknamed him "Wooly".

Edwards started in 1963, when Chuck Howley was moved from strongside linebacker to weakside linebacker, because it was decided that Edwards had more upper-body strength for the position. He would end up forming with Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan, one of the greatest linebacking corps in NFL history.

He was strong, tough and steady throughout his eleven-year career. His strength made him a force against the run and he rarely made mistakes that could hurt the team. He thrived against opposing tight ends, so much so, that then Oakland Raiders linebackers coach John Madden, had his linebackers study his technique in stopping the run while jamming the tight end.

Edwards was a key component in the Cowboys defensive dominance during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and although overshadowed by Howley and Jordan, he was a great player for many years.

"The best thing you can say about Edwards is that he's a pro" asserts Cowboys defensive coach Ernie Stautner. "He plays while he's hurt and he still does an outstanding job. That's what a pro is."

He played in the NFL for 12 seasons and missed only 1 game during his career, playing many times while being injured. He helped the Cowboys win 3 NFC Championships and 1 Super Bowl. Edwards, who played in Super Bowls V, VI, and X with the Cowboys, retired after the 1975 season.