Erik Williams 79

Erik Williams, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 3rd round of the 1991 NFL Draft, with a choice from the Steve Walsh trade. He played sparingly as a rookie, with Nate Newton playing right tackle. His level of play during the 1992 training camp, forced the Cowboys to move back Newton to left guard, in order to have the best players available in the offensive line. In 1992, after becoming the Cowboys starting right tackle, he earned national recognition when he held Reggie White without a sack in a 20–10 Dallas win, earning the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week award.

Nicknamed "Big E", by 1993, his physical play and aggressive attitude that was rarely seen on the offensive side of the ball, made him the top offensive lineman in the NFL. These traits were mentioned by Michael Strahan in his Professional Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech. Williams was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, playing in the 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1999 Pro Bowls.

His ability to protect quarterback Troy Aikman and to run-block for running back Emmitt Smith helped the Cowboys win Super Bowls in 1992, 1993 and 1995. From 1992 to 1994, together with Nate Newton, Mark Tuinei, Mark Stepnoski and Kevin Gogan, he was part of some of the best offensive lines to play in NFL history, later dubbed "The Great Wall of Dallas". Show your appreciation for Erik Williams with collectibles, photographs and more here at the Drew Pearson's Cowboys Legends Pro Shop.