Most Career Passing Yards by a Dallas Cowboys Player
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises — and their quarterback history is just as legendary. From Super Bowl champs like Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach to the stat kings Tony Romo and Dak Prescott, the top of this list is stacked. But even deeper down, you’ll find the names that helped shape “America’s Team” across the decades.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Eddie LeBaron – 5,331 Yards
LeBaron was the Cowboys’ original QB in their early 1960s seasons. Undersized but fearless, he helped lay the foundation for what the franchise would become.
9. Quincy Carter – 5,839 Yards
Carter was part of the Cowboys’ early 2000s rebuild. He started 31 games in three seasons and helped lead the team to a surprise playoff appearance in 2003.
8. Steve Pelluer – 6,555 Yards
Pelluer started in the mid-to-late ’80s, splitting time with Danny White as the Cowboys navigated a post-Staubach identity. He had a big arm but limited results.
7. Craig Morton – 10,279 Yards
Morton was Staubach’s main competition in the early ’70s. He helped lead the team to a Super Bowl but eventually gave way to Staubach’s legendary rise.
6. Don Meredith – 17,199 Yards
One of the Cowboys’ earliest stars, Meredith was a fan favorite thanks to his big arm and bigger personality. He led Dallas to multiple playoff appearances in the 1960s.
5. Danny White – 21,959 Yards
White took over after Staubach and guided the Cowboys to three straight NFC Championship games. He was often overshadowed but ranks among the franchise’s most productive QBs.
4. Roger Staubach – 22,700 Yards
Staubach is one of the most iconic Cowboys ever — a Heisman winner, two-time Super Bowl champ, and Hall of Famer. His blend of poise, toughness, and clutch play made him a Dallas legend.
3. Dak Prescott – 31,437 Yards
Still active and climbing, Dak has been the face of the franchise since 2016. With elite production and leadership, he’s already third all-time — and still chasing more.
2. Troy Aikman – 32,942 Yards
Aikman was the QB of the 1990s dynasty, winning three Super Bowls and earning a Hall of Fame nod. While his numbers don’t jump off the page today, his efficiency and leadership were elite.
1. Tony Romo – 34,183 Yards
Undrafted and underestimated, Romo turned into one of the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history. Though he never won a Super Bowl, his numbers speak for themselves — and he remains the Cowboys’ all-time passing leader.

Ranking the 10 best single-game passing yard performances in Dallas Cowboys history
Top 50 Single-Game Passing Performances in Cowboys History
This chart shows every Cowboys player to record 300+ passing yards in a single game, including stars like Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, and Don Meredith.
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tony Romo | 34183 |
| 2 | Troy Aikman | 32942 |
| 3 | Dak Prescott | 31437 |
| 4 | Roger Staubach | 22700 |
| 5 | Danny White | 21959 |
| 6 | Don Meredith | 17199 |
| 7 | Craig Morton | 10279 |
| 8 | Steve Pelluer | 6555 |
| 9 | Quincy Carter | 5839 |
| 10 | Eddie LeBaron | 5331 |
| 11 | Drew Bledsoe | 4803 |
| 12 | Gary Hogeboom | 3550 |
| 13 | Vinny Testaverde | 3532 |
| 14 | Cooper Rush | 3463 |
| 15 | Jon Kitna | 2452 |
| 16 | Andy Dalton | 2170 |
| 17 | Jason Garrett | 2042 |
| 18 | Chad Hutchinson | 1563 |
| 19 | Steve Walsh | 1411 |
| 20 | Matt Cassel | 1276 |
| 21 | Steve Beuerlein | 1061 |
| 22 | Brandon Weeden | 1041 |
| 23 | Randall Cunningham | 849 |
| 24 | Kellen Moore | 779 |
| 25 | Anthony Wright | 766 |
| 26 | Kevin Sweeney | 605 |
| 27 | Wade Wilson | 585 |
| 28 | Brad Johnson | 506 |
| 29 | Jerry Rhome | 496 |
| 30 | Ryan Leaf | 494 |
| 31 | Kyle Orton | 487 |
| 32 | Rodney Peete | 470 |
| 33 | Stephen McGee | 420 |
| 34 | Bernie Kosar | 410 |
| 35 | Don Heinrich | 371 |
| 36 | Dan Reeves | 370 |
| 37 | Clint Stoerner | 367 |
| 38 | John Roach | 349 |
| 39 | Clint Longley | 311 |
| 40 | Glenn Carano | 304 |
| 41 | Babe Laufenberg | 279 |
| 42 | Trey Lance | 266 |
| 43 | Garrett Gilbert | 243 |
| 44 | Ben DiNucci | 219 |
| 45 | Calvin Hill | 204 |
| 46 | Drew Pearson | 192 |
| 47 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | 111 |
| 48 | Reggie Collier | 96 |
| 49 | Mark Sanchez | 93 |
| 50 | Drew Henson | 78 |
The Cowboys’ QB legacy reads like a Hall of Fame roll call — but it’s Tony Romo, not Aikman or Staubach, who sits atop the passing leaderboard. Dak Prescott is right behind them and could take over the top spot in the coming years. With history, hardware, and high expectations, playing quarterback in Dallas is a spotlight few can handle — but these 10 left their mark.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Cowboys record for most career passing yards?
Tony Romo leads all Dallas quarterbacks with 34,183 passing yards.
Is Dak Prescott close to breaking the record?
Yes — Dak Prescott is third with 31,437 yards and still active, likely to pass Romo soon.
Are any Hall of Famers on the list?
Yes — both Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach are in the Hall of Fame and led the Cowboys to Super Bowl wins.
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