Dallas Cowboys all-time Interceptions Leaders starts with Mel Renfro, one of the greatest defensive backs the franchise has ever had. Renfro’s 52 interceptions remain the Cowboys record, and his combination of coverage ability, return value, Pro Bowl dominance and championship impact makes him the clear leader on this list.
Everson Walls sits second with 44 interceptions, and his peak was one of the best ball-hawking runs in team history. Charlie Waters follows with 41, giving Dallas another legendary defensive back from the Tom Landry era. Dennis Thurman, Michael Downs, Cornell Green, Terence Newman, Lee Roy Jordan, Cliff Harris and Chuck Howley complete a top 10 loaded with safeties, corners and linebackers from different Cowboys generations.
This ranking uses regular-season interceptions with the Dallas Cowboys only. It does not include playoff interceptions, preseason stats or interceptions from other NFL teams. That keeps the list focused strictly on what each defender produced while wearing a Cowboys uniform.
Several of these names also appear in our broader best Dallas Cowboys players of all-time ranking, which shows how much defensive playmakers shaped the franchise. This list is stat-based first, but the write-ups explain why each player mattered beyond the interception total.
How We Ranked the Most Interceptions in Dallas Cowboys History
This ranking is based on regular-season interceptions with the Dallas Cowboys only. Playoff interceptions do not count here. If a player had interceptions with another NFL team, those are not included in this Cowboys-only ranking.
The main factors are interceptions, interception return production, touchdowns, longevity, role in the defense, era context and overall Cowboys impact. Mel Renfro leads because he owns the franchise record with 52 interceptions. Everson Walls is second with 44, while Charlie Waters is third with 41.
This is an interception leaders list, not a full defensive player ranking. That distinction matters because some defenders with huge all-time Cowboys legacies — like Bob Lilly, Randy White, DeMarcus Ware or Darren Woodson — are not ordered here by total defensive impact. This list focuses on takeaways through the air.
Why This Cowboys Interceptions Ranking Is Different
This is not just a normal “best Cowboys defensive backs” ranking. It is specifically an interceptions leaderboard. That means linebackers like Lee Roy Jordan and Chuck Howley count because their regular-season interception totals are high enough to make the top 10.
Era context matters too. Older Cowboys defenders played in different passing environments, with different defensive rules and different offensive styles. Mel Renfro, Cornell Green, Charlie Waters, Cliff Harris and Chuck Howley played in a more physical era. Terence Newman played in a modern passing league where corners were tested constantly, but interception opportunities could be more scheme-dependent.
The full table below extends beyond the top 10, which gives the page more Cowboys names and makes the leaderboard more useful without turning the article into a massive database dump.
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10. Chuck Howley
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1961–1973 with Dallas, 24 interceptions, 395 interception return yards, 2 interception return touchdowns, Super Bowl V MVP, Super Bowl VI champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Chuck Howley rounds out the Cowboys top 10 interception leaders, which is impressive because he was a linebacker. Linebackers are usually not expected to rank this high on a franchise interceptions list, but Howley had rare coverage ability for his position.
Howley was fast, instinctive and athletic enough to play in space. He could drop into coverage, read quarterbacks and create turnovers from the second level of the defense.
His Cowboys legacy is much bigger than interceptions alone. He remains the only player from a losing team to win Super Bowl MVP, and he later helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI. His 24 interceptions are just one part of a Hall of Fame defensive résumé.
9. Cliff Harris
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1970–1979 with Dallas, 29 interceptions, 281 interception return yards, 1 interception return touchdown, 2 Super Bowl wins, Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Cliff Harris ranks ninth in Cowboys career interceptions, but his overall defensive legacy is far bigger than the number. He was one of the emotional and physical leaders of the Doomsday Defense.
Harris played safety with range, toughness and fearlessness. He could cover deep, hit hard and bring energy to a defense that helped Dallas remain a championship contender throughout the 1970s.
His 29 interceptions show that he was not just a hitter. Harris could also make plays on the ball, and his Hall of Fame career remains one of the strongest defensive back résumés in Cowboys history.
7. Terence Newman and Lee Roy Jordan
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: Terence Newman had 32 interceptions with Dallas from 2003–2011. Lee Roy Jordan had 32 interceptions with Dallas from 1963–1976.
The No. 7 spot is a tie between Terence Newman and Lee Roy Jordan. It is one of the most interesting ties on the list because the players came from completely different eras and played completely different roles.
Newman was a first-round cornerback who gave Dallas long-term stability on the outside. He had speed, coverage discipline and enough ball production to stay near the top of the Cowboys interception leaderboard.
Jordan was a middle linebacker, which makes his 32 interceptions even more impressive. He was one of the smartest defensive players in Cowboys history and became a central figure in Tom Landry’s defense.
Newman’s interceptions came as a modern corner. Jordan’s came as a middle linebacker in a classic Cowboys defense. Both totals belong in the franchise top 10, and both players deserve credit for creating takeaways in very different ways.
5. Michael Downs and Cornell Green
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: Michael Downs had 34 interceptions with Dallas from 1981–1988. Cornell Green had 34 interceptions with Dallas from 1962–1974.
The No. 5 spot is another tie, this time between Michael Downs and Cornell Green. Both finished with 34 Cowboys interceptions, but their paths were very different.
Downs was an undrafted defensive back who became a major part of the Cowboys secondary in the 1980s. He played safety with intelligence and range, and his ball production made him one of the more underrated defensive backs in franchise history.
Green was one of the early Cowboys defensive stars. He played cornerback and safety, earned Pro Bowl recognition and helped shape the defensive identity before the Cowboys became America’s Team.
Both players show how strong Dallas has been historically in the secondary. Downs gave the franchise 1980s ball production. Green helped build the foundation in the 1960s and early 1970s.
4. Dennis Thurman
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1978–1985 with Dallas, 36 interceptions, 562 interception return yards, 4 interception return touchdowns.
Dennis Thurman ranks fourth in Cowboys career interceptions with 36. He was one of the best ball hawks from the post-Doomsday era and gave Dallas major playmaking ability in the secondary.
Thurman had a knack for turning interceptions into big returns. His four interception return touchdowns are one of the best marks on this list, and his 562 return yards show that he did more than just catch tipped passes.
He was part of the “Thurman’s Thieves” identity, a Cowboys secondary known for creating turnovers. His place in the top four proves how productive that run really was.
3. Charlie Waters
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1970–1978 and 1980–1981 with Dallas, 41 interceptions, 584 interception return yards, 2 interception return touchdowns, 2 Super Bowl wins.
Charlie Waters ranks third in Cowboys career interceptions with 41. He began his career at cornerback, moved to safety and became one of the key defensive backs of the Tom Landry era.
Waters had the range and instincts to make plays on the ball, but he was also tough enough to support the run and play physical football. That versatility made him valuable in Dallas’ defensive system.
He was part of multiple Super Bowl teams and helped anchor the secondary during one of the strongest stretches in Cowboys history. His 41 interceptions keep him firmly among the franchise’s greatest ball hawks.
2. Everson Walls
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1981–1989 with Dallas, 44 interceptions, 391 interception return yards, multiple Pro Bowls, Cowboys single-season record 11 interceptions as a rookie.
Everson Walls ranks second in Cowboys history with 44 interceptions, and his peak was incredible. He was one of the best pure ball hawks the franchise has ever had.
Walls made an instant impact as a rookie in 1981, leading the league with 11 interceptions. That remains one of the most famous defensive rookie seasons in Cowboys history.
He did not have elite stopwatch speed, but he had elite instincts. Walls read quarterbacks, anticipated routes and consistently found the football. His ability to create turnovers still makes him one of the most underrated defensive backs in NFL history.
1. Mel Renfro
Cowboys Stats & Accolades: 1964–1977 with Dallas, franchise-record 52 interceptions, 626 interception return yards, 3 interception return touchdowns, 10 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mel Renfro is the Dallas Cowboys all-time interceptions leader with 52. He was one of the most complete defensive backs of his era and one of the greatest athletes in franchise history.
Renfro could play safety, cornerback and special teams at an elite level. His speed, instincts and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his 52 interceptions remain the Cowboys standard.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 NFL seasons, which shows how quickly he became elite and how long he stayed at that level. Renfro also helped Dallas win Super Bowls VI and XII, giving him both statistical dominance and championship impact.
That is why Renfro belongs in any serious discussion of the greatest Dallas Cowboys defensive backs ever. For the interception record book, he is the clear No. 1.
Full Ranking Table: Dallas Cowboys all-time Interceptions Leaders
Note: This table is sorted by regular-season interceptions with the Cowboys only. The write-ups above cover the top 10, while the full table extends to the top 23 defenders.
| Rank | Player | Years | Games | Position | Interceptions | INT Return Yards | INT TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mel Renfro | 1964–1977 | 174 | RCB | 52 | 626 | 3 |
| 2 | Everson Walls | 1981–1989 | 133 | LCB | 44 | 391 | 0 |
| 3 | Charlie Waters | 1970–1981 | 160 | SS | 41 | 584 | 2 |
| 4 | Dennis Thurman | 1978–1985 | 121 | DB | 36 | 562 | 4 |
| 5 | Michael Downs | 1981–1988 | 116 | FS | 34 | 433 | 1 |
| 6 | Cornell Green | 1962–1974 | 182 | LCB | 34 | 552 | 2 |
| 7 | Lee Roy Jordan | 1963–1976 | 187 | MLB | 32 | 472 | 3 |
| 8 | Terence Newman | 2003–2011 | 133 | LCB | 32 | 345 | 3 |
| 9 | Cliff Harris | 1970–1979 | 141 | FS | 29 | 281 | 1 |
| 10 | Chuck Howley | 1961–1973 | 165 | LLB | 24 | 395 | 2 |
| 11 | Darren Woodson | 1992–2003 | 178 | SS | 23 | 271 | 2 |
| 12 | Don Bishop | 1960–1965 | 81 | RCB | 22 | 364 | 0 |
| 13 | Mike Gaechter | 1962–1969 | 108 | LS | 21 | 420 | 1 |
| 14 | Trevon Diggs | 2020–2025 | 66 | CB | 20 | 204 | 2 |
| 15 | Roy Williams | 2002–2008 | 98 | SS | 19 | 307 | 3 |
| 16 | Kevin Smith | 1992–1999 | 103 | LCB | 19 | 190 | 1 |
| 17 | Ron Fellows | 1981–1986 | 86 | RCB | 17 | 240 | 2 |
| 18 | Jerry Tubbs | 1960–1966 | 85 | MLB | 15 | 176 | 0 |
| 19 | DaRon Bland | 2022–2025 | 53 | DB | 15 | 296 | 6 |
| 20 | Bill Bates | 1983–1997 | 217 | DB | 14 | 122 | 0 |
| 21 | Sean Lee | 2010–2020 | 118 | MLB | 14 | 339 | 2 |
| 22 | Deion Sanders | 1995–1999 | 63 | RCB | 14 | 273 | 2 |
| 23 | James Washington | 1990–1994 | 77 | SS | 14 | 145 | 0 |
This table is a recap of the full interceptions ranking. Michael Downs and Cornell Green are tied with 34 interceptions, while Terence Newman and Lee Roy Jordan are tied with 32 interceptions.
FAQ: Most Interceptions in Dallas Cowboys History
Who has the most interceptions in Dallas Cowboys history?
Mel Renfro has the most interceptions in Dallas Cowboys history with 52 regular-season interceptions.
Who is second in Cowboys career interceptions?
Everson Walls is second in Dallas Cowboys career interceptions with 44.
Who is third in Cowboys career interceptions?
Charlie Waters is third in Dallas Cowboys career interceptions with 41.
Which Cowboys players are tied with 34 interceptions?
Michael Downs and Cornell Green are tied with 34 regular-season interceptions for the Dallas Cowboys.
Which Cowboys players are tied with 32 interceptions?
Terence Newman and Lee Roy Jordan are tied with 32 regular-season interceptions for the Dallas Cowboys.
Are playoff interceptions included in this Cowboys ranking?
No. This ranking uses regular-season interceptions with the Dallas Cowboys only.
Who is the best Cowboys defensive back ever?
Mel Renfro has the strongest interception-based case because he owns the franchise record, while Cliff Harris, Everson Walls, Charlie Waters, Cornell Green and Terence Newman all have major defensive back cases from different eras.
Conclusion: Mel Renfro Still Owns the Cowboys Interceptions Record
The Most Interceptions in Dallas Cowboys History list starts with Mel Renfro because his 52 regular-season interceptions remain the franchise standard. Renfro combined elite coverage, special teams value, Pro Bowl consistency and championship impact, making him one of the greatest defensive backs in team history.
Everson Walls gives Dallas one of the best pure ball hawks the franchise has ever had. Charlie Waters, Dennis Thurman, Michael Downs, Cornell Green, Terence Newman, Lee Roy Jordan, Cliff Harris and Chuck Howley fill out a top 10 that shows how many different ways the Cowboys have created takeaways over the years.
The key thing to remember is that this is a Cowboys-only regular-season interceptions list. It is not based on playoff interceptions, total defensive value or full-career production with other teams. The order comes from interceptions with Dallas, while the write-ups explain why each defender mattered to the franchise.
For now, Renfro’s record looks extremely safe. In the modern NFL, corners and safeties rarely get enough interception volume to chase 52 with one team. That makes Renfro’s mark one of the most impressive defensive records in Dallas Cowboys history.
More Cowboys and NFL Rankings
For the full franchise picture beyond interceptions, check out our best Dallas Cowboys players of all-time ranking. For more Cowboys stat lists, read our most sacks recorded in Dallas Cowboys history, Dallas Cowboys all-time receiving yards leaders, most receiving TDs in Dallas Cowboys history and Dallas Cowboys all-time rushing yards leaders.
For the bigger defensive back debate, read our best cornerbacks of all-time, best safeties of all-time and best defensive players of all-time. You can also visit our all-time player rankings for every NFL franchise or our NFL rankings page for more stat lists, position rankings and historical tier lists.
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For the full franchise picture beyond interceptions, check out our ranking. For more Dallas quarterback history, read our list. You can also follow for more NFL rankings, debates and football history graphics.
