The Herschel Walker Trade: Key to the Dallas Cowboys’ 1990s Dynasty
The Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s is often credited to the legendary Herschel Walker trade, a move that has been called “The Great Trade Robbery” for its profound impact on the team’s success.
While the trade itself is frequently remembered as a key turning point, the true magnitude of the deal and its contributions to the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in the decade go beyond the transaction itself.
On October 12, 1989, the Cowboys, under the leadership of then-head coach Jimmy Johnson and general manager Jerry Jones, sent Herschel Walker—a star running back—along with several draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a massive haul of draft picks and players.
In return, Dallas received five players and 10 draft picks, including first-round picks in 1990, 1991, and 1992, and a second-round pick in 1991.
At the time, it seemed like an overvalued price for Walker, who was a highly productive player. But in hindsight, the trade is one of the most impactful in NFL history.
The subsequent draft picks helped Dallas build a core of players that would dominate the league for the next several years. Among the most notable selections were running back Emmitt Smith, taken with the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 1990, and defensive players Russell Maryland, Darren Woodson, and Kevin Smith, all of whom were drafted with picks acquired in the deal.
Smith would go on to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, while Maryland, Woodson, and Smith formed the backbone of Dallas’ defense during its Super Bowl run.
Emmitt Smith, in particular, is perhaps the best-known product of the Herschel Walker trade. As the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, Smith’s ability to carry the ball and produce crucial yards helped Dallas control the clock and win key playoff games, leading to three Super Bowl titles in 1992, 1993, and 1995.
The Cowboys’ success during this era was a testament to the talent they were able to acquire through the trade.
The defensive side of the ball was equally important in Dallas’ dominance. Russell Maryland and Darren Woodson became integral pieces of a stout defense that helped neutralize opponents, while Kevin Smith added depth to the secondary.
The combination of offensive firepower and defensive solidity created a well-rounded team that could win in any scenario.
In the end, the Herschel Walker trade wasn’t just a turning point in the 1990s for the Cowboys—it was the catalyst for a dynasty that would shape the franchise’s legacy for decades to come.
The acquisition of draft picks and players, fueled by an astute and bold decision by Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson, changed the fortunes of the Cowboys and secured their place in NFL history.