Harvey Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1973 NFL Draft. Practicing against future hall of famer Rayfield Wright, he developed into an emotional player and fierce competitor, so much so, that he was nicknamed "Too Mean". The NFL didn't start recognizing quarterback sacks as an official stat until 1982; however, the Cowboys have their own records, dating back before the 1982 season. According to the Cowboys' stats, Martin is unofficially credited with a total of 114 sacks, leading the Cowboys in sacks seven times during a nine-year period, with a high total of 23 sacks in 1977. Martin played only on passing downs as a rookie, but still led the team in quarterback sacks with 9, tying a rookie team record. Martin took down the QB 7.5 times in 1974 and 9.5 times in 1975.

 

Martin broke out with 15 1/2 sacks in 1976 and made the Pro Bowl for the first time. He still holds the team record for most sacks for a rookie (9 - 1973) and in a season (23 - 1977). His unofficial career franchise sack record lasted 30 years, before being broken by DeMarcus Ware in 2013. His 1977 season was one of the greatest ever by an NFL player. In a 14-game season he totaled 85 tackles and a league-leading 23 sacks (more than Michael Strahan's 22.5 record in 16 games), he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a consensus All-Pro selection, was a key player in the Cowboys winning Super Bowl XII, and a co-MVP of the game with Randy White. Show your appreciation for Harvey Martin with collectibles, photographs and more here at the Drew Pearson's Cowboys Legends Pro Shop.