The Great Wall of Dallas: A Football Life

In the early 1990s, the Dallas Cowboys won three Super Bowl championships in four years, with Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin leading the way. However, it was six offensive linemen – none of which were drafted higher than the third round – who paved the way for those teams and collectively became one of the greatest offensive line units in NFL history.

Comprised of tackles Mark Tuinei and Erik Williams, guards Nate Newton and Kevin Gogan, center Mark Stepnoski, and guard/center John Gesek, the “Great Wall of Dallas” was an intimidating force that led the Cowboys to big wins and memorable moments, while also skirting on the edge of recklessness, arrogance, and controversy.

“This line was the best example of what five, six men working together can accomplish in the NFL: you can win it all.” – Jerry Jones

Check us out across other platforms: