Best Dallas Cowboys player to wear jersey No. 31: Roy Williams

A closer look at the best play to ever wear the 31 for the Dallas Cowboys.

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys fans are another day closer to the start of the regular season. 31 days separate Cowboys nation from a table full of wings and being irrationally angry at every mistake.

Before we get there, it's time to take a look back at the best player ever to wear the number 31 for the beloved Cowboys.

---

Roy Williams - DB

Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports

Being a physical athlete in the secondary is the dream of every defensive coordinator. The Cowboys got just that when they selected Roy Williams in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Williams spent seven seasons in Dallas as a mainstay at the safety position. During his time in Dallas, Williams earned 5 Pro Bowl selections and was selected first team All-Pro in 2003.

In 2003, Williams would finish third in Defensive Player of The Year voting, behind Richard Seymour and Ray Lewis.

22 years ago today: Roy Williams was selected No. 8 overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

Superman had an incredible career at Oklahoma, with accolades such as the Jim Thorpe Award, Nagurski Award, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and MANY others. pic.twitter.com/FDHQc7w5zX

— The REF (@KREFsports) April 20, 2024

Williams will forever be known as a legend in Dallas. So, when the name Roy Williams comes up in conversations, trust me, it isn't about the receiver. Safety Roy Williams was a household name and a no-brainer selection to be the player that best represents the number 31 for the Cowboys.

Today, we celebrate the pride of Oklahoma and a Cowboys legend.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Scrimmage Time: 3 things to watch during Thursday's Cowboys-Rams joint practice

Camp Battles: 6 surprising notes from Cowboys first unofficial depth chart

Olympic Games: 4 Cowboys who should be on USA’s 2028 Olympic flag football team

Bargain Shopping: Cowboys' three best team-friendly deals for the 2024 season

Football Fun: Best Cowboys-themed fantasy football team names for 2024

Cowgirls: Meet Reece Allman: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader