Who were the Dallas Cowboys defensive backs during 1980-1985?

Answer 1

From 1980 to 1985, the Dallas Cowboys led the National Football League in interceptions with 167, and their ballhawking defensive backs returned 12 of them for touchdowns. At the beginning of the decade, they were known as "Charlie's Angels," a reference to the leadership of strong safety Charlie Waters. After Waters' retirement after the 1981 season, the Dallas defensive backs became known as "Thurman's Thieves" when Dennis Thurman emerged as their new leader.

The star of the half-decade was Everson Walls, an unheralded rookie from Grambling State who was signed as a nondrafted free agent in 1981. He led the National Football League in interceptions in 1981 (with 11), 1982 (with seven) and 1985 (with nine), making him the only person ever to lead the league three times in that category.

Here's a look at the year-by-year starting units:

1980: Left Cornerback -- Steve Wilson (10 games); Benny Barnes (six)

Right Cornerback -- Aaron Mitchell

Strong Safety -- Charlie Waters

Free Safety -- Dennis Thurman

1981: Left Cornerback -- Everson Walls (12 games); Steve Wilson (four)

Right Cornerback -- Dennis Thurman

Strong Safety -- Charlie Waters

Free Safety -- Michael Downs

1982: Left Cornerback -- Everson Walls

Right Cornerback -- Dennis Thurman

Strong Safety -- Benny Barnes

Free Safety -- Michael Downs

1983: Left Cornerback -- Everson Walls

Right Cornerback -- Dennis Thuman

Strong Safety -- Dextor Clinkscale

Free Safety -- Michael Downs

1984: Left Cornerback -- Everson Walls

Right Cornerback -- Ron Fellows

Strong Safety -- Dextor Clinkscale

Free Safety -- Michael Downs

1985: Left Cornerback -- Everson Walls

Right Cornerback -- Ron Fellows (11 games); Victor Scott (three)

Strong Safety -- Dextor Clinkscale

Free Safety -- Michael Downs